Holly's Homestead — Native Bush Food
Pigface (Karkalla)
Carpobrotus rossii · Aizoaceae, native to Australia
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial succulent groundcover, native to Australia
MATURITY 1–2 years to good production
TYPE Perennial succulent groundcover, native to Australia
MATURITY 1–2 years to good production
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low, drought and salt tolerant
Soil pH
5.5–8.5
Spacing
0.5–1m
Depth
as per pot
01Both leaves and fruit are edible
A dual-purpose coastal succulent — the fig-like fruit is edible fresh or in jams, and the salty, tangy leaves work well pickled or added fresh to salads, well suited to a low-water homestead planting.
02Planting
Method
Plant from a nursery pot, or strike easily from stem cuttings.
Soil
Adaptable — sandy, clay, or lime-rich coastal soil all work well.
Timing
Plant in spring or autumn.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Water while establishing; drought and salt tolerant once settled in.
- Let it spread — this is a natural trailing groundcover habit.
- No feeding needed — it thrives in poor, sandy soil.
- Trim back if it spreads further than wanted; it roots readily where stems touch soil.
04Problems
- Very few pests — a hardy, trouble-free native.
- Waterlogging — the main risk; ensure sharp drainage.
- Spreading too far — vigorous; trim to keep it contained.
- Frost in the coldest zones — protect young plants in cold areas.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Fruit softens and turns reddish-purple, usually through summer.
Method
Pick by hand once soft; leaves can be picked any time.
Curing
None needed — good eaten fresh, or made into jam.
Storage
Fridge a few days; fruit pulp freezes well for later use.
Preserving
See Dehydrating (drying for long-term storage) or Freezing Produce (freezing a harvest surplus) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Other coastal/salt-tolerant nativesAvoid nearby
Poorly drained, wet spotsRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial groundcover.
