Carpobrotus rossii (formerly Mesembryanthemum rossii) is a succulent coastal groundcover plant of the family Aizoaceae. Native to southern Australia, it is known by various common names, including karkalla, pig face, sea fig and beach bananas. C. rossii can be confused with rounded noon-flower Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum, which has also been erroneously called "karkalla" and "beach bananas" in the Australian native food trade.

Description

Karkalla leaves are succulent, 3.5 – long and 1 cm wide, and curved or rarely straight. The flowers bloom from August through October, are light purple, and are 6 cm wide. The globular purplish red fruit is about 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. It can be found year-round in large patches covering sand dunes close to the ocean, due to its hardy nature and salt resistance.

Conservation

Carpobrotus rossii is common on southern Australian coastal sand dunes and is not considered to be at risk.

Uses

Aboriginal people eat the fruit traditionally, fresh and dried. The salty leaves have been eaten with meat. The salty edible leaves should not be confused with rounded noon-flower, which also has edible leaves and is marketed as "karkalla". Extracts of the plant have significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory activity.