Ice Plants – San Gregorio Beach State Park, San Mateo County, California

Carpobrotus chilensis is commonly called the "sea fig" and also the "highway ice plant." It has fleshy, spearlike leaves and prostrate roots that grow easily in sand dunes. Native to southern Africa, the ice plant was originally brought here in the early 20th century to stabilize the soil along railroad tracks. Things went awry during the 70s, when thousands of acres were planted along the medians to prevent erosion and thwart wildfires. Iceplants soon became invasive, pushing out the native plants and fauna. Some animals are happy to see them, though. California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) like to munch on sour figs, which are also fit for human consumption in the form a tart jam.