The Hottentot Fig is the diva of the dunes; it flaunts a bloom so flamboyant that even native plants cannot help but admire it. But beware, beneath that breathtaking beauty lies an invasive plant that tends to take up all the space, leaving little room for others.
Carpobrotus edulis, also known as the Hottentot Fig, is a succulent plant native to South Africa that has spread to many parts of the world. In South Africa, it grows on coastal and inland slopes, and its fruits are consumed by a variety of wildlife, contributing to seed dispersal.
It has naturalised becoming an invasive in several areas, notably Australia, California and the Mediterranean basin, all places with similar climates.
Originally introduced for its soil-stabilising capabilities, its arrival in the Mediterranean had a significant impact.
The management of this species has become a priority in many coastal areas, where efforts are made to control its spread, as it competes with native species for vital resources such as space, light and nutrients.
Moreover, its presence can alter the structure and function of dune ecosystems, which are important for protecting coastlines from erosion.
The main control methods include physical elimination by manual or mechanical eradication. The application of herbicides, on the other hand, can be a quicker and more effective method, but environmentally impactful.
Other methods include landscape management to reduce the availability of favourable habitats for the spread of the plant; examples are the planting of native species or the modification of soil conditions.
There are also several individual actions to limit the spread of the Hottentot Fig:
- Avoid planting it in your garden or in any other soil.
- If you find it in your garden eradicate it; be sure to uproot the whole plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.
- Report its possible presence in public areas or on land not owned by you by contacting the local authorities or an environmental organisation.
- When planting in your garden, choose plants native to your area; these will provide habitat and food for local fauna.
Effective management requires an integrated approach that combines various control methods, constant monitoring of populations and collaboration between researchers, land managers and local communities.
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