Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra): Versatile Succulent Shrub

Overview

Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra), also called Spekboom, Miniature Jade, or Dwarf Jade, is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen succulent shrub from South Africa. In habitat, it forms dense thickets 8–15 feet tall, but in cultivation it's often kept as a compact bonsai or houseplant. Small, round, apple-green leaves on reddish-brown stems give it a delicate, jade-plant-like appearance. It's a favorite food of elephants (hence the name) and is renowned for its carbon-sequestering capacity. Easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and responsive to pruning.

Key Features

• Foliage: Small, round, glossy green leaves; red-brown stems.
• Form: Upright, branching shrub; easily shaped.
• Flowers: Tiny, pink, star-shaped; rare in cultivation.
• Uses: Bonsai, hedges, xeriscape, carbon farming, edible leaves.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to bright indirect light. Best color in sun.

Water

Low. Water thoroughly when dry. Drought-tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-draining succulent mix. Gritty, sandy soil outdoors.

Pruning

Prune anytime to shape. Roots easily from cuttings.

Taxonomy

Family:	Portulacaceae
Genus:	Portulacaria (por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh)
Species:	afra (AF-ruh)
Synonyms:	Portulacaria afra f. macrophylla, Portulacaria afra f. microphylla