Carpobrotus modestus

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Carpobrotus modestus
Carpobrotus modestus Hottentot Plant,Pigface karpobrotusi.JPG
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Carpobrotus
Species:
C. modestus
Binomial name
Carpobrotus modestus

Carpobrotus modestus, commonly known as inland pigface, is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to Australia. It produces purple flowers which mature into fruits and is mainly used as a groundcover succulent or as a drought tolerant plant.

Contents

Distribution

Carpobrotus modestus is situated in heath, shrubland, and woodland areas with clayey-sand. It is recorded in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The distribution can reach all the way north of Kalbarri, east to Eyre and inland to Newdegate in Western Australia. It is also found around the South Australian-Victorian border. [1]

Carpobrotus edulis, also a member of the genus Carpobrotus, is a succulent native to South Africa. In the past, it was most often used as an ornamental plant. One common use for these succulents was to plant them along roadsides. However, it has spread to become invasive. The effects of this invasive species are to smother and reduce the regeneration of native flora. In addition, invasion of the species edulis causes changes to soil pH and the nutrient composition. [2] Other species in the Carpobrotus genus are also capable of invading a large range of habitats. The expansion of the Carpobrotus species in the Mediterranean Basin has made such a large impact on the native flora that the group is on a black list of the twelve most invasive plants in the region. [3]

Habitat and ecology

The Inland Pigface is a perennial succulent that is found in coasts, plains, and dunes near the coast. It can be found in areas of Western Australia, Southern Australia and certain areas of Victoria. It is also found in areas of low rainfall. The species flourish in all forms of soil which include sandy, loamy, and clay. Although the habitat plays a large part in a plant's growth and development, the inland pigface can grow in acidic, basic, and neutral soil pHs that are well-drained. In these tough environments, the Inland Pigface can tolerate harsh habitual influences such as droughts, frost, and salinity in the soil (since it can grow in coastal areas which are close to the ocean). The Inland Pigface is a perennial and flowers during the southern summer and winter. [4]

In a study done testing the effects of severe drought on the growth, water usage, and survival of several plants, including the Carpobrotus modestus, it was shown that high water use by C.modestus resulted in reduced survival relative to the other plants tested. It was also shown that the modestus species lost shoot biomass over the drought period. [5]

Carpobrotus modestus is a species that behaves as a post-fire pioneer. In a study done to observe this behavior, it was shown that in a semi-arid area composed of tall shrublands, with a range of different fire patterns, the modestus populations appeared immediately in the post fire period. Then, within 7 years they matured and died as the shrubland regenerated and grew taller and denser. [6]

Morphology

The roots of the plant extend up to 50 centimetres (20 in). Carpobrotus modestus has thick fleshy leaves since it is a perennial succulent. Leaves are usually around 3–7 cm and curve in a triangular shape towards the tip. Near the points of the leaves are usually tinted pink, but occasionally have a bluish hue to it. The flowers are open-petalled once they bloom outwards in a linear direction. The petals are purple and are almost shaped like sunflower petals, but much narrower. These petals surround the stamen scattered inside which are thin, light yellow, and shaped like the letter 'T'. [1] Species contain both male and female reproductive organs (hermaphrodite.) [7]

The habit of Carpobrotus modestus is prostrate and spreading. A prostrate plant has stems that grow parallel to the soil, so the surface of the plant appears to be flat and sprawling. The growth of C.modestus gives the appearance of a form of flat “cover” on the ground.

In the fruiting stage of C.modestus, the bulb is surrounded by the thick three-edged leaves that surround it. The fruit is egg-shaped, and as it develops, pushes the thick leaves outwards and has petals sprout out of it. [1]

The Carpobrotus modestus is an Australian succulent that switches between CAM and C3 photosynthesis. When soil water is limited, the plant uses CAM photosynthesis with dark CO2 fixation and switches to C3 photosynthesis when water is available again. [5]

Like the C.modestus, its relatives chilensis (sea-fig) and edulis (iceplant) both have similar abilities to thrive in harsh environments. The chilensis and edulis are generally situated in dunes, coastal areas, and grassland.

These Carpobrotus plants are also desired for gardening because of its tolerance to poor soils and lack of need for water. Propagation of carpobrotus plants can be done by splitting the stems or spreading its seeds. However, once it is in soil that is constantly dry, it can become invasive. In California, the relatives of modestus; chilensis and edulis are both considered invasive species.

A study was done to examine the impact Carpobrotus edulis have on native plants and how invasive this species actually is. [8] From the ramets to the seeds, C. edulis manages to prevent the germination, growth and survival of the two native species (Malcolmia littorea and Scabiosa atropurpurea.) Study found no competition between C. edulis and the native plants. In contrast, the invasive species have negative effects on the native plant's developmental stages and overall shortened their lifespan.

Flowers and fruit

The flowers of Carpobrotus modestus grow to be about 2 centimetres (1 in) when they are fully open. The Inland Pigface flowers in spring/summer with light purple petals that transition to white at their bases. The fruit it produces is fleshy, purple when ripe, and appears fig-like about 15–20 mm long with a recurved stalk. It is erected with sepals as long as the fruit. [9]

Food

Both the fruit and leaves of Carpobrotus modestus were once used by indigenous people in Australia as a source of food, whether it be raw or cooked. The fig-like fruit produced by the plant is edible. [1]

Medicinal

No medicinal uses for Carpobrotus modestus yet. However, the genus plant of Carpobrotus leaf juice is used to treat mild astringent and jellyfish sting. The use of the leaf juice with water can treat diarrhea and stomach cramps. The external usage will also be used for mosquito bites and sunburn. It has been shown that the flower can also be used to treat constipation and used as a laxative. [10] [11]

Related Research Articles

<i>Carpobrotus edulis</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus edulis is a ground-creeping plant with succulent leaves in the genus Carpobrotus, native to South Africa. Its common names include hottentot-fig, sour fig, ice plant or highway ice plant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aizoaceae</span> Family of dicotyledonous flowering plants

The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plants or carpet weeds. They are often called vygies in South Africa and New Zealand. Highly succulent species that resemble stones are sometimes called mesembs.

<i>Carpobrotus</i> Genus of succulents

Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, ice plant, sour fig, Hottentot fig, and clawberry is a genus of ground-creeping plants with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name comes from the Ancient Greek karpos "fruit" and brotos "edible", referring to its edible fruits.

<i>Carpobrotus acinaciformis</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa.

<i>Carpobrotus chilensis</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus chilensis is a species of succulent plant known by the common name sea fig. It grows on coastal sand dunes and bluffs and is used as an ornamental plant, and it is also edible. However, along with its even more troublesome cousin, C. edulis, it has invaded sections of the California coast at the expense of native vegetation, and is subject to control efforts.

<i>Dudleya edulis</i> Species of succulent

Dudleya edulis is a species of perennial succulent plant known by the common names fingertips, lady fingers, mission lettuce and the San Diego dudleya. The common name denotes the finger-like shape of the leaves, while the specific epithet edulis refers to the use of the young scapes as food by the Kumeyaay. It is native to Southern California and northern Baja California, and grows on rocky hillsides, cliffs, and bare rock.

<i>Carpobrotus virescens</i> Species of plant

Carpobrotus virescens, commonly known as coastal pigface, is a prostrate coastal succulent shrub of the family Aizoaceae native to Western Australia. The Noongar peoples know the plant as Kolbogo or Metjarak.

<i>Disphyma crassifolium</i> Species of succulent

Disphyma crassifolium, commonly known as round-leaved pigface or salty fingers is a species of flowering plant in the family Aizoaceae native to Australia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is a prostrate, succulent annual shrub or short-lived perennial plant with stems up to 2 m long, leaves that are three-sided in cross-section with a rounded lower angle, and purple daisy-like flowers with staminodes up to 30 mm (1.2 in) long.

<i>Carpobrotus glaucescens</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus glaucescens, commonly known as pigface or iceplant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aizoaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a succulent, prostrate plant with stems up to 2 m long, glaucous leaves, daisy-like flowers with 100 to 150 light purple to deep pinkish-purple, petal-like staminodes and red to purple fruit. The fruits ripen mainly in Summer and Autumn. It usually only grows very close to the sea.

<i>Carpobrotus rossii</i> Species of plant

Carpobrotus rossii is a succulent coastal groundcover plant native to southern Australia. It is known by various common names, including karkalla, pig face, sea fig and beach bananas.

<i>Mesembryanthemum cordifolium</i> Species of plant

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, formerly known as Aptenia cordifolia, is a species of succulent plant in the iceplant family. It is a creeping plant that forms a carpet of flat-growing perennial herbs in groups on the ground from a base. Genus name means middle-embryo flower in reference to the position of the ovary in the flower. The specific epithet is derived from Latin for heart-shaped leaves.

<i>Carpobrotus quadrifidus</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus quadrifidus is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to the west coast of South Africa.

<i>Carpobrotus deliciosus</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus deliciosus is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to a strip along the south coast of South Africa.

<i>Carpobrotus muirii</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus muirii is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to the Overberg region in the Western Cape, South Africa.

<i>Carpobrotus mellei</i> Species of succulent

Carpobrotus mellei is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to the inland mountain ranges of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Gunniopsis quadrifida, the Sturts pigface, is a plant endemic to Australia that is within the family Aizoaceae. This family consists of a diverse array of species that inhabit arid and/or saline coastal and inland areas, with the plants displaying leaf morphology that is conducive to such harsh environments. Typical features of members of this genus that lie within this family of succulents includes the presence of fleshy-leaves that acts as a water reservoir for the plant with the habit of a smalls shrub.

<i>Gunniopsis papillata</i> Species of plant

Gunniopsis papillata, commonly known as the twin-leaved pigface, is a species of succulent plant in the iceplant family, Aizoaceae and is endemic to inland areas of Australia. It is an annual herb with pimply, spatula-shaped to egg-shaped leaves and flowers with white or yellow petals.

<i>Cyrtocarpa edulis</i> Species of flowering plant

Cyrtocarpa edulis is a species of perennial sarcocaulescent tree commonly known as the Cimarrón plum or Cape wild-plum. It is in the genus Cyrtocarpa, and is endemic to Baja California Sur. This plant is characterized by fleshy stems, twisted branches and an edible drupe.

<i>Sarcozona</i> Genus of succulents

Sarcozona, commonly known as pigfaces, is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae, both species endemic to Australia. They are small, erect or low-lying, succulent perennials with leaves that are triangular in cross-section and arranged in opposite pairs, and daisy-like flowers with twenty to eighty petal-like staminodes and up to 150 stamens.

<i>Sarcozona bicarinata</i> Species of succulent

Sarcozona bicarinata, commonly known as ridged noon-flower, is species of flowering plant in the family Aizoaceae and is endemic to Australia. It is a small shrub with leaves that are triangular in cross-section and arranged in opposite pairs, and daisy-like flowers with twenty to fifty-five petal-like staminodes and twenty to fifty stamens.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Inland Pigface". vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au. State of Victoria. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  2. "Carpobrotus edulis". issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp. Global Invasive Species Database. 9 November 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  3. "Ecological and evolutionary factors influcencing[sic] the invasion of Carpobrotus spp (Aizoaceae) in the Mediterranean region". researchgate.net. Global Invasive Species Database. 9 July 2005. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  4. "Carpobrotus modestus". plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au. Botanic Gardens of South Australia. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  5. 1 2 Farrell, C; Mitchell, R.E.; Szota, C (10 August 2012). <path> "Green roofs for hot and dry climates: Interacting effects of plant water use, succulence and substrate". Ecological Engineering. 49 (December): 270–276. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2012.08.036 . Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  6. Parsons, R.F (25 May 2002). "Carpobrotus modestus(Aizoaceae), a post-fire pioneer in semi-arid southern Australia". Journal of Arid Environments. 37 (3): 453–459. doi:10.1006/jare.1997.0288 . Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  7. "Carpobrotus modestus- S.T. Blake". pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Carpobrotus+modestus. Plants for a Future. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  8. Novoa, A; González, L (11 September 2014). "Impacts of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. on the Germination, Establishment and Survival of Native Plants: A Clue for Assessing Its Competitive Strength". PLOS ONE. 9 (9): e107557. Bibcode:2014PLoSO...9j7557N. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107557 . PMC   4161477 . PMID   25210924.
  9. Roderick Wheeler; Judith Marchan; Margaret Lewington (1 April 2002). "Dicotyledons". Flora of the South West: Dicotyledons. UWA Publishing. pp. 471–472. ISBN   9780642568151.
  10. Watt, John; Breyer-Brandwijk, Maria (1968). "The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa". Nature. 132 (3331): 336. doi:10.1038/132336a0. S2CID   4128573 . Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  11. Mabberley, John; D. J., Maria (1 May 2008). Mabberley's Plant-book: A Portable Dictionary of Plants, Their Classifications, and Uses. p. 154. doi:10.1017/9781316335581. ISBN   9781316335581 . Retrieved 5 April 2020.