Pigface ( Carpobrotus rossii)

Pigface is the humble king of wild fruits. Growing naturally along the southern coast of Australia, this prostrate succulent is easy to include in the garden. Preferring full sun, it will spread over a wide area as a groundcover and drape down rock walls, and produces a profusion of bright pink, daisy-type flowers followed by fruit in summer. The bland leaves can be eaten cooked, but the fruit is truly magnificent, with pulp that is a sweet, strawberry-figgy delight. Fruit is excellent in jams and jellies, preserved or eaten raw. I love a simple pigface and blackberry coulis ( see page 64). So summery… it’s perfect. Flowers can be eaten, but I prefer the fruit.

20–30cm 1–3m