Native Pigface

## Landscape value Native pigface (Carpobrotus rossii), also known as karkalla, is a trailing succulent groundcover native to southern Australian coastal areas. It has fleshy triangular leaves, pink to purple daisy-like flowers with pale centers, and fleshy reddish fruit. It can spread two metres or more and is suited to open ground where there is space for its stems. The [Australian Native Plants Society](https://anpsa.org.au/plant_profiles/carpobrotus-rossii/) describes its form, coastal habitat and cultivation. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or part shade with well-drained soil. It is adapted to exposed coastal conditions. Water during establishment and adjust to local soil and climate; verify cold hardiness and local suitability before planting outside its native range. Plants sold under the common name pigface can belong to different species. C. rossii can hybridize with the introduced C. edulis, so verify the identity of nursery stock. ## Maintenance and firewise context Guide spreading stems and remove dead material as needed. The [Kangaroo Island Landscape Board](https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ki/news/kangaroo-island-firewise-plant-species) includes this species in its firewise guidance, and [South Australia State Flora](https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/stateflora/docs/fire-resistant-plants-fact.pdf) includes it on its fire-resistant plant list. Both plant condition and placement matter; no plant is completely non-flammable. ## Surf Coast bushfire guidance [Surf Coast Shire Council](https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/03-community/emergencies-and-safety/landscaping_your_surf_coast_garden_for_bushfire_-_updated_1_july_2015.pdf) includes this plant among local examples assessed as low to moderate flammability. Follow its placement, spacing and regular maintenance guidance; the council does not give this plant a separate individual score. ## Cape Town veldfire guidance [Cape Town’s veldfire planning guidelines](https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf) list this plant’s genus among potential low-level barriers. The source does not identify this species individually; verify local suitability and follow its placement and maintenance guidance. ## Cape Town — 2004 barrier table scope and maintenance The [Cape Town veldfire planning guidelines](https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf), Annexure 1, section 3.3, include the following source entry or entries: Table 4 (Groundcovers): “Carpobroteus spp” / Sour figs. A species or named hybrid is a qualified representative of the printed genus group, not an individual assessment or a designation of every member. The city's PDF timed out during this audit; these table cells and adjacent conditions were checked in the [indexed copy of the same April 2004 document](https://www.scribd.com/document/790764685/Ukuvuka-Veldfire-Related-Planning-Guidelines-2004-04-29). This records that historical source's guidance; check current local requirements and suitability before use. General source conditions: use broad-leaved, moisture-rich plants as potential screens at the fireward property edge; maintain an easy-to-walk-through garden and leaf litter no more than 15 mm deep. Avoid flammable plants under decks, against walls/wooden pillars or in hanging baskets. Remove accumulated garden refuse and dead material. No source listing guarantees survival or prevents all burning. Groundcover barriers are intended to remain low and reduce the passage of flames through the garden. Succulent leaf moisture helps, but persistent dead aloe leaves must be removed. Remove dry seasonal stems, especially on annual species; keep adjacent lawn short and avoid a continuous grass route from the boundary to the house. The broad “other prostrate ground covers” row remains unassigned and does not designate all groundcovers.