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Coastal Pigface - Carpobrotus virescens (Karkalla / Kolbogo) seeds

Coastal Pigface - Carpobrotus virescens (Karkalla / Kolbogo) seeds

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Carpobrotus virescens - Coastal Pigface (Kolbogo, Metjarak, Karkalla)
A versatile succulent groundcover with edible and medicinal properties, perfect for coastal gardens.

Quick Facts

  • Height: 10–30 cm tall.
  • Spread: Spreads 1–2 meters wide, forming a dense mat.
  • Fruit: Grape-sized, deep red when ripe.
  • Soil: Thrives in light to medium, well-drained soil.
  • Position: Prefers full sun; excellent for sandy coastal areas.
  • Climate: Highly drought and frost-resistant.

Why Grow Carpobrotus virescens?

Coastal Pigface is a hardy and nutrient-rich plant ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, or erosion control. With its vibrant fruits, salty-sweet flavor, and practical medicinal applications, this fast-spreading succulent is both ornamental and functional. Perfect for sunny spots, it thrives in tough conditions and adds biodiversity to your garden.

Bush Food Note

The leaves and fruits of Coastal Pigface are a unique and versatile bush food:

  • Leaves:
    • Salty and slightly sour, they can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked.
    • Rich in vitamins C, iron, and calcium.
  • Fruits:
    • Sweet and tangy, they can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and chutneys.
    • Enjoy fresh by sucking out the pulp or eating whole, including the salty skin.

Bush Medicine

Coastal Pigface leaves have traditional and modern medicinal uses:

  • Topical Applications:
    • Similar to aloe vera, the leaves can soothe stings, burns, and skin irritations.
  • Health Benefits:
    • Extracts possess antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

How to Grow

  1. Planting Instructions:

    • Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
    • Plant directly into sandy or coastal soils for best results.

  2. Position:

    • Ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, or areas requiring groundcover.
    • Suitable for erosion control on slopes or sandy regions.

  3. Care Tips:

    • Water sparingly; drought-tolerant once established.
    • Prune to control spread and maintain a neat appearance.
    • Protect young plants from frost if temperatures drop below freezing.

Uses in Your Garden

  • Groundcover: Dense spreading habit suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil.
  • Edible Garden: Provides a unique source of bush food with nutritional benefits.
  • Coastal Landscaping: Thrives in sandy, exposed conditions and adds texture and colour.
  • Medicinal Garden: A natural remedy for burns, stings, and skin irritations.

Order Now

Add the beauty, flavor, and utility of Carpobrotus virescens to your garden. Whether for its unique bush food qualities, medicinal benefits, or hardy growth, Coastal Pigface is a valuable and rewarding plant.

Order your Coastal Pigface seeds today and enjoy a touch of Australia’s coastal charm!