hottentot fig
• noun
A creeping, mat-forming succulent perennial plant (Carpobrotus edulis) in the family Aizoaceae, native to coastal South Africa, having fleshy three-angled leaves and large, daisy-like flowers with numerous narrow yellow to magenta petals.
"Dense mats of Hottentot fig were historically planted along coastal dunes to prevent soil erosion, though the species has become invasive in many Mediterranean climates."
The edible, fleshy, sour-tasting fig-like fruit produced by the Carpobrotus edulis plant, traditionally eaten fresh or preserved as jam in South Africa.
"Local foragers harvest the ripe Hottentot fig in late summer to make traditional tangy preserves."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because 'Hottentot' is a dated and offensive colonial exonym for the Khoikhoi people of southern Africa, many botanists and horticulturists prefer alternative common names such as 'sour fig', 'ice plant', or 'cape fig'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.