Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush)

A popular succulent garden plant around the world, Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) is a well-branched, evergreen succulent shrub or small tree with small, rounded, fleshy, emerald green leaves. They are borne on brittle, fleshy red stems and tapering branches that mature to a gray color. Clusters of tiny starry white or pale pink flowers bloom in profusion at the stem tips in late spring or early summer. Fairly inconspicuous, they are a rich source of nectar for many insects, which in turn attracts insectivorous birds. The blossoms are, however, rarely produced in cultivation. Elephant Bush is noted for its unique ability to absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than most other plants. A stand of Elephant Bush is reported to have the ability to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than an equal amount of deciduous forest. The foliage is edible and commonly eaten in southern Africa, in salads or soups to add a sour flavor. In its native habitat, it provides 80 percent of the diet of elephants. In frost-free areas, Elephant Bush can be used as an informal hedge or screen. It can also be grown in hanging baskets, in succulent gardens, or even as a handsome bonsai specimen.

• Can grow up to 8-12 ft. tall (240-360 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm) in the ground in mild climates, but is usually around 5-6 ft. (150-180 cm) in a garden situation.
• Thrives in very well-drained compost, such as cactus compost, in bright but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow or red at the tips. Water well between mid-spring and mid-autumn; barely at all at other times. Be careful not to overwater, as it is susceptible to root rot in consistently moist soil. This succulent is heat and drought-tolerant.
• Perfect for Mediterranean gardens, sub-tropical gardens, or containers.
• Potted plants can be moved outside for the growing season after all danger of frost has passed. Move them back indoors when night temperatures drop below 40ºF (4ºC).
• Propagate by root sections of the stem in spring with bottom heat. Cuttings root quickly and can usually be planted out after four to six weeks.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
• Native to South Africa