Coastal IcePlants Carpobrotus edulis
by Frank Wilson
Title
Coastal IcePlants Carpobrotus edulis
Artist
Frank Wilson
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Iceplant is a coastal succulent shrub native to the coast of South Africa, where the climate is similar to that of coastal California. Iceplant was introduced to California in the early 1900s as an erosion stabilization tool used on railroad tracks, and later used by Caltrans on roadsides. It has been used as an ornamental for many years, and is still sold in nurseries. Unfortunately, iceplant spreads easily, and has become invasive in coastal California from north of Humboldt County to as far south as Baja California. When it establishes in a location, it forms a large, thick mat that chokes out all other native plants and alters the soil composition of the environment. Because it is a coastal invader, it competes with many endangered, threatened, and rare plants.
Uploaded
October 13th, 2022
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