A ground covering perennial succulent from coastal areas, which can spread to 3 metres wide. It has large, silky purple flowers in spring and summer. Drought, salt and somewhat frost resistant. A fast growing, hardy plant. Likes a well-drained soil, from clay loam to sandy. The leaves are edible and have a salty crunch, they can be used fresh, steamed or pickled, they team well with meat dishes. The juice from the leaves can be applied to relieve insect bites. The ripe fruit is edible, tasting like fig with a salty tang- eat by holding the end of the fruit and sucking out the pulp. Ripening fruit turns red.