Angular Pigface

## Landscape value Angular pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens) is a creeping succulent native to eastern Australian coastal areas. It forms a low groundcover with thick, triangular leaves, long rooting stems, and showy pink-purple flowers. The [Australian National Botanic Gardens](https://cpbr.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/carpobrotus-glaucescens.html) describes stems reaching around 2 m and its role in coastal plantings. ## Growing conditions Use in full sun or part shade and free-draining soil, including sand. It tolerates drought, wind and coastal salt spray once established; provide appropriate water during establishment. The [Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust plant list](https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025%20GF%20plant%20list%20FINAL%20A4%20.pdf) lists a height to about 15 cm and spread of 2 m. Allow space for stems to root and spread. Verify local cold hardiness and environmental suitability. Other plants called pigface, including C. rossii and C. edulis, are different species. ## Maintenance and local context Control spreading stems and remove dead material as needed. [Bega Valley Council](https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Vegetation-Management/Planting-on-Nature-Strips) lists this species as suitable for bushfire-prone nature strips under its local guideline, which limits plants in those areas to less than 0.2 m high. Check the actual form and site against council requirements, and maintain healthy vegetation; the designation is not a flammability measurement. ## Queensland bushfire guidance This plant is listed in [Queensland's bushfire-resilient building guidance](https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-12/0576_qra_bushfire_guideline_v10_pages_print.pdf), Appendix E. The guide calls for checking suitability and fire resistance in the specific location. ## Bega Valley source scope and conditions [Bega Valley Shire Council](https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Vegetation-Management/Planting-on-Nature-Strips) lists “Carpobrotus glaucescens” (“Pigface”) as **Yes** for bushfire-prone nature strips. Exact printed species or cultivar represented; local height and maintenance conditions still apply. This is local nature-strip suitability, not a measured general flammability rating. The table is limited to plants **less than 0.5 m high generally and less than 0.2 m high in bushfire-prone areas**. A Yes listing does not waive the 0.2 m limit or establish that every form of the species remains that low. Use and maintain a compliant low form; keep plants green and healthy, prune old or dead growth and remove accumulated dead leaves. Avoid tussock grasses in bushfire-prone areas. Keep paths, driveways and infrastructure clear under the council's siting rules. Any plant can burn in the right conditions.