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.
Stem: < 2 m.
Ecology: Common on coastal sandy shores;
eFlora Treatment Author: Nancy J. Vivrette
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
COMMON NAME: Coastal Ice Plant, Sea Fig
SPECIES: Carpobrotus chilensis
FAMILY: Aizoaceae (Ice Plant Family)
FAMILY: Aizoaceae (Ice Plant Family)
LIFE LIST DATE: 8/7/2017
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
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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