Description: C. edulis is a fast growing evergreen succulent that occurs as a ground cover in the sand dunes. It is cultivated as a pioneer plant. And has fleshy triangular-shaped leaves, yellow flowers that open in the morning and closes at night, and fleshy indehiscent edible subglobose fruits. 

Uses: 

• The fruits are eaten fresh. 
• The fruits are used to make jam and syrup. 
• The fruits are used as a preservative. 
•  The fruits are used to add flavour.
• The roots are mixed with those of Bulbine asphodeloides roots to help manage the opportunistic infections (Ols) especially in people with weakened immune systems such as those living with HIV.
• The juice from the leaves is sucked to treat a sore throat. 
• The juice from the leaves is mixed into a lotion and applied topically to treat bruises, burns, cracked lips, rash, sores, sunburns, and wounds.  
• The juice from the leaves are used to treat itching caused by insect (spider and tick) bites. 
• The leaves and stem are used to make a decoction to cleanse the body.
• The leaves and stem are used to treat teething and toothache.
• The leaves are used as an astringent and antiseptic. 
• The leaves are ingested to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, and digestive problems.
• The leaves are dried and powdered used to treat oral thrush. 
• The leaves are used to treat tuberculosis and respiratory infection.   
• The plant is used to treat ringworm. 
• The plant is used as an ornamental.

References and further reading:

• Akinyede, K.A., Ekpo, O.E. and Oguntibeju, O.O., 2020. Ethnopharmacology, therapeutic properties and nutritional potentials of Carpobrotus edulis: A comprehensive review. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 88(3), p.39.
• Arnold, H.J. and Gulumian, M., 1984. Pharmacoepia of traditional medicine in Venda. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 12, pp. 35–74.
• Buwa, L.V. and Afolayan, A.J., 2009. Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. african Journal of Biotechnology, 8(23).
• Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A., 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. Natal University Press, Pietermaritzburg. 
• Omoruyi, B.E., Bradley, G. and Afolayan, A.J., 2012. Antioxidant and phytochemical properties of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) bolus leaf used for the management of common infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Eastern Cape Province. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(1), pp.1-9.
• Ndhlovu, P.T., Omotayo, A.O., Otang-Mbeng, W. and Aremu, A.O., 2021. Ethnobotanical review of plants used for the management and treatment of childhood diseases and well-being in South Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 137, pp.197-215.
• Van Der Watt, E. and Pretorius, J.C., 2001. Purification and identification of active antibacterial components in Carpobrotus edulis L. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 76(1), pp.87-91.