The sea-fig, Carpobrotus chilensis (Family Aizoaceae), is actually native to South Africa, despite its scientific binomial referring to Chile, where it also occurs. This plant is a CAM leaf succulent, which forms mats with prostrate stems that root at the nodes (i.e., nodal roots) and thereby grows well on sand dunes. The leaves are opposite and rounded-triangular in cross section. Here can be seen the rose-magenta flower of this species, which is less than half the diameter (usually less than 5 cm across) of the more common hottentot-fig, C. edulis. Both species are used extensively to stabilize sand dunes and roadsides of California coastal highways, and they can outcompete native species because they can bear a great level of human disturbance.

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