Carpobrotus chilensis
Common name
Ice plant
Synonyms
C. aequilaterus (Willd.) J.M.Black
Family
Aizoaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial. Coastal
Wetland plant indicator status rating
Information derived from the revised national wetland plant list prepared to assist councils in delineating and monitoring wetlands (Clarkson et al., 2021 Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Contract Report LC3975 for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council). The national plant list categorises plants by the extent to which they are found in wetlands and not ‘drylands’. The indicator status ratings are OBL (obligate wetland), FACW (facultative wetland), FAC (facultative), FACU (facultative upland), and UPL (obligate upland). If you have suggestions for the Wetland Indicator Status Rating, please contact: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
FACU: Facultative Upland
Occasionally is a hydrophyte but usually occurs in uplands (non-wetlands).
Detailed description
Mat-forming trailing perennial herb. Stems to about 6 m long, occasionally rooting, subwoody at base. Leaves sharply 3-angled. Flowers 6.5-8 cm diameter, petals purple. Seeds brown about 1mm long.
Similar taxa
Very similar to C. edulis but can easily be distinguished when flowering. C. chilensis has smaller purple flowers. In New Zealand C. chilensis has usually be referred to C. aequilaterus (Willd.) J.M.Black, a very different looking western Australian endemic.
Flowering
October, November, December
Flower colours
Violet/Purple
Year naturalised
1969
Origin
California, Chile
Etymology
carpobrotus: From the Greek karpos ‘fruit’ and brotus ‘edible’, the fruits of some species being edible.
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental