The invasive plant Carpobrotus edulis can alter soil properties through its necromass
(chemically different from natives’). Depending on the accumulated necromass, C. edulis has
contrasting effects on soil pH, leading to different effects on nutrient availability. Carpobrotus
edulis alters the soil nitrogen cycle through changes in nitrogen fluxes that can limit nitrogen
availability. Until now, potential agents for biocontrol of C. edulis had not been studied. The
fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can infect C. edulis, but with no long‐term consequences in
greenhouse conditions. The insect Pulvinariella mesembryanthemi can reduce survival and
growth of the plant. This insect was introduced accidentally in NW Spain, where its potential
distribution roughly overlaps that of C. edulis, but its abundance may be restricted by weather
conditions in winter, parasitism and predation. Worldwide introductions of P.
mesembryanthemi seem to originate from one native population, and most of its genetic
variability resides in its native area
