The Kaffir or Hottentot Fig (Scientific name: Carpobrotus edulis, Maltese name: Swaba tal-Madonna) is one of the worst invasive alien species in Europe. This plant is a flat evergreen succulent, native to South Africa.

It was originally intentionally introduced in the Maltese Islands as part of misguided attempts to enhance biodiversity in rural settings and to stabilise embankments or mobile substrates. Indeed, it was regularly planted as an ornamental in public places, particularly coastal areas.

The Kaffir Fig has escaped from cultivation as a result of plant pruning, and has since become invasive in cliff communities and sand dunes.

It rapidly spreads via seed or by means of trailing stems and broken-off segments. It grows into dense mats that smother and displace native vegetation. Once this succulent dies, it leaves unsightly brown plots, where colonisation by other plant species is inhibited due to the presence of toxic substances released by the Kaffir Fig itself.

The planting of this species in natural and rural areas in the Maltese islands is deemed unacceptable. Measures have been taken by Mepa to eradicate this species from selected important protected areas, such as the sand dunes at Ir-Ramla tat-Torri (Malta) and Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra (Gozo). Plants were uprooted, taking care to remove and appropriately dispose of all plant debris in contained conditions.

Should you require more information, please contact nature.

requests@mepa.org.mt.