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Hottentot-fig


Hottentot-fig
Photo Information
Copyright: Florin Feneru (Florin) Silver Note Writer [C: 7 W: 0 N: 61] (214)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-04
Categories: Flowers
Camera: Canon Powershot A620
Exposure: f/4, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-02-24 13:29
Viewed: 554
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hottentot-fig
Carpobrotus edulis

Well, I hope it's that one. It could also be its close relative, C. chilensis. They are both called sometimes Ice Plant. I found it on the seaside, at Folkestone.
It was introduced in the 1690s from Africa, where the Hottentots used to eat its fruits, hence its popular name today. But when it came to England this flower was first named Mesembryanthemum, meaning "midday flower" because it opens up its flowers in full sun. The English turned this tongue-twisting name into "Sally-my-handsome".
The flowers have many petals, which is rare in British flora. The plants in Asteraceae family (Daisies) seem to have dozens of petals, but they are in fact sterile flowers.

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To crs: Hottentot-figFlorin 1 02-26 09:18
To crs: Hottentot-figFlorin 1 02-26 09:16
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Critiques [Translate]

nice pic,

I've never heard of these growing in the U.K.? Do they really manage to survive U.K. frosts?

I've sen these in portuagal where they cover miles of coastline in gorgeous pink and yellow flowers

  • Great 
  • crs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 523 W: 0 N: 920] (3543)
  • [2009-02-25 12:56]
  • [+]

Hello Florin,

As far as I know this is a mediteranean plant. Is it growing in UK? IOf yes plese let us have more informations.

Best regards,
Cristian

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