Carpobrotus muirii
| Dwarf Sour-Fig | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Carpobrotus |
| Species: | C. muirii |
| Binomial name | |
| Carpobrotus muirii (L.) L. Bolus | |
Carpobrotus muirii (commonly known as Dwarf Sourfig or Dwerg Suurvy) is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to a southern coastal strip of the Western Cape, South Africa.
This species of Carpobrotus ("Sour-fig") is very closely related to Carpobrotus deliciosus (which occurs just to the east of the Dwarf Sourfig's range), and it looks very similar.
However the Dwarf Sourfig has thinner, narrower leaves, and only occurs in the Western Cape, along the coast from Arniston and De Hoop, as far east as Stilbaai. Here it is found in Strandveld vegetation, usually within ten kilometres of the coast. Its natural range is declining due to alien invasive species and wheat farming.[1]
Its sweet edible fruits are grazed by tortoises and other southern African animals, and are also used locally to make traditional preserves.
Of the other six Carpobrotus species which occur in South Africa, this species is particularly closely related to the larger Carpobrotus deliciosus, which occurs just to the east of its range, into the Eastern Cape. [2]
References
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