Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Carpobrotus chilensis (Coastal Ice Plant, Sea Fig) - Non-Native

This plant with magenta flowers was likely introduced from South Africa and grows prolifically along the coastal dune areas of California. A weed or not a weed? That is the question - the answer depends on who you ask.


8/7/17 Beach access trail from Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach,
San Luis Obispo County, CA 


8/7/17 Beach access trail from Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach,
San Luis Obispo County, CA 

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Coastal Ice Plant, Sea Fig

SPECIES: Carpobrotus chilensis

FAMILY: Aizoaceae (Ice Plant Family)

LIFE LIST DATE8/7/2017

LOCATION: Beach access trail from Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach, San Luis County, CA

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Jepson eFlora:
NATURALIZED

Stem: < 2 m. 

Leaf: widest above middle, glaucous. 

Flower: sessile; sepals 1--2 cm; petals 1--2.5 cm. 

Fruit: soft when ripe. 

Ecology: Common on coastal sandy shores; 

Elevation: < 100 m. 

Bioregional Distribution: NCo, CCo, SCo, n ChI; 

Distribution Outside California: to Oregon, Mexico; probably native to southern Africa. 

Flowering Time: +- all year 

eFlora Treatment Author: Nancy J. Vivrette

1 comment:

  1. Please stop promoting this aggressive invasive plant that chocked off all of the coastal California native plants. Planted to slow down erosion, this plant is typical of solving a problem only to create a worse one. Please do your research. California transplants in Florida who do not even know the botany of their own state are now planting this destructive plant here. Thanks!

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