The Sour Fig

Carpobrotus edulis

The sour fig has been used for medicinal purposes for many years. It can be chewed to treat infections in the mouth, as it is an antiseptic. The sour fig can also be used orally to treat dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis and can also be used as a laxative. The sour fig ointment can be applied to bruises, scrapes, cuts and grazes. Squeeze the juice of the leaf onto the sunburnt area.

The sour fig is a very useful plant to have growing in the garden. This is because of its good medicinal purposes, and that it can survive almost anywhere. It does not demand too much water and needs no attention. The plant can grow between the height of 10-12cm.