Hottentot fig

[zigs]

Came across this huge one today.

A native of South Africa, its established itself on a lot of Southern Englands coast.

 

[Yatte]

It is wonderful to see some of our locals visiting overseas. Hottentot fig are used as a ground cover here, and for medicinal uses. It is used as an antiseptic, to heal cuts, eczema, insect bites, ring worm, blue bottle stings and sunburn. When ingested it is used for sore throat and diarrhea.

They have this beautiful yellow flowers, and some South Africans cooks jam with their fruit.

 

[claudine]

It's the first time when I see a Hottentot fig...I don't know why but I was sure that it's a tree
Anyway, it looks really interesting - and it's enormous! Are its fruits tasty?

 

[zigs]

Not eaten the fruits yet, last one I found was in Cornwall in about 1973.

Had another look at this one yesterday, no flowers yet.

I expect Dim will know what the fruits are like, he's from South Africa.

 

[zigs]

Oh, appologies Yatte, I missed your post in the middle there.