Portulacaria afra

Portulacaria afra Details

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as the Elephant Bush or Elephants Food, is a South African native shrub that carries succulent leaves on soft-wooded stems. This evergreen typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide with a somewhat open branch structure and can be trimmed as necessary. It grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site, protected from frost. It is largely drought tolerant and does not like being over-watered or heavy soils. Portulacaria afra is often used for bonsai or maintained as a pot plant. It can be grown outdoors and makes for an interesting specimen and suits being planted against a bland wall or in a dry corner to make good use of space.