Edible Hottentot fig flower

Photo: Jeffrey Sciberras
Scientific name: Carpobrutus edulis
Maltese name/s: Xuxett San Gwann / Swaba tal-Madonna
occurrence in the the Maltese islands: this species is frequent in its purple flowering form in the wild, in some places forming huge matts of it, very rare in its yellow flowering form. The similar Carpobrotus acinaciformis is rare in the wild. both also seen cultivated on roundabouts.
habitat in the wild: near the sea, on dump sites
origin: south Africa
other info: hottentot figs are invasive coastal species, smothering native flora. both species are morphologically very similar, i often doubt their scientific status., leaves are triangular and succulent. flower 12 cm wide in diameter.