Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, Porkbush, Purslane Tree
Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) grows as a shrub or tree and can reach a height of up to four meters. It is native to eastern to southern Africa and is not related to the Common Purslane (Portulaca) or the similar looking Jade Tree.
As a container plant, it thrives in full sun to partial sun and can be grown in standard cactus potting soil. The substrate may dry out between waterings, as Portulacaria afra can store water in its trunk, branches and leaves.
Characteristics & Description
Height, habit: Up to 4 meters, succulent shrub or tree
Life cycle: Perennial
Poisonous: No
Origin: East Africa to South Africa (distribution map)
USDA zone: 12 (50 °F/10 °C)
Botany
Name: Portulacaria afra
Family: Didiereaceae
Categories: Succulents | Shrubs & Trees |
