Elephantshave a symbiotic relationship withPortulacaria afra , which makes up 80 % of their dieting . During feeding , they break off subdivision that later on root and establish new plant life .
Portulacaria afraJacq .
Dwarf Jade , Elephant Bush , Elephant ’s Food , Miniature Jade , Porkbush , Small Leaf Jade , Spekboom ( Afrikaans )
In cultivation, Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Photo by Jason Link. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Claytonia portulacaria , Crassula portulacaria , Crassula portulacastrum , Haenkea crassifolia , Portulaca fruticosa
Family : PortulacaceaeSubfamily : PortulacarioideaeGenus : Portulacaria
The specific epithet " afra(AF - ruh ) " means " from Africa " and refers to the origin of this metal money . The coarse name " Elephant Bush " bring up to the fact that elephants enjoy eat the leave of this flora .
In cultivation, Lagoa, Portugal. Photo by Tom Pal. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
The aboriginal grasp ofPortulacaria afraextends from the Eastern Cape due north into the Eastern Cape , KwaZulu - Natal , Mpumalanga , and the Limpopo province ofSouth Africa , along withEswatini , and further north intoMozambique . It raise in warm berth on rocky outcrops and gradient .
Portulacaria afrais a dumbly ramate succulent shrub or small tree diagram with lustrous Green River , opposite leafage on brittle , reddish - brownish branches that ripen to a wood Zane Grey color . It can turn up to 16.4 groundwork ( 5 metre ) tall . Its branch are initially overweight but become woody as they age . The succulent leaves are obovate , measuring up to 1 inch ( 2.5 atomic number 96 ) in distance and 0.6 inches ( 1.5 centimeter ) in width .
In its native habitat , the plant life produces minuscule , rose-cheeked pink to mauve bloom in dull clustering on terminal branches in late outpouring or early summertime , but anthesis is rare in finish . The fruits are translucent , showy , pink , ellipsoid , 3 - tip , and fly on the angle and can spring up up to 0.2 column inch ( 0.5 cm ) long .
Flowers. In cultivation, Vredendal, Western Cape, South Africa. Photo by Paul Schultz. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Although sometimes bedevil withCrassula ovata , the two plants are quite dissimilar . Portulacaria afrahas littler and libertine leave and more compact growth . Both plants are comparatively popular as bonsai subjects .
Light : This plant command at least 6 60 minutes of direct sun daily but can tolerate fond shadowiness . If get indoors , place it in a cheery windowpane .
Soil : Well - enfeeble soil is very important for a respectable plant . While many growersmake their own territory commixture , commercial-grade soil for succulents with extra perlite or another gritstone will also ferment fine .
In cultivation, Sun Valley, California, United States. Photo by Vicki Cerda. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Hardiness : Portulacaria afrathrives in warm , cheery climates and can bear loose hoarfrost . It grow best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with average minimum winter temperatures drift from 25 ° F to 50 ° F ( -3.9 ° coke to 10 ° vitamin C ) .
Watering : In spring and drop , waterthoroughly and wait until the top of the grime dries out before tearing again . Water less during winter when growth decelerate down significantly . During the summertime , when it is usually dormant , water the plant only enough to keep the leaves from wither .
Fertilizing : Portulacaria afrais a slow - growing plant that does not need much alimentation . However , it will benefit from a small amount of constitutive plant food during the growing season .
Repotting : It is best to repot this works every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes top - big , even though it does not mind being root - jump . Repotting is recommended during summer .
Propagation : Although it can be grown from seeded player , Portulacaria afrais usually part by stem turn cuttings . Always take cutting when the plant is actively growing .
Portulacaria afrais a non - toxic plant with comestible folio rich in vitamin C and a pleasant sour taste .
penetrate on a photograph to see a larger interlingual rendition .
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