Description
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fast-growing succulent native to South Africa. It features small, fleshy green leaves and reddish-brown woody stems. It gets its unique common name because it serves as a primary, favorite food source for wild elephants. Often called “Dwarf Jade,” it looks highly similar to the classic jade plant but is entirely unrelated and grows much faster. Its robust, multi-stemmed growth habit makes it highly adaptable, commonly grown outdoors as a large landscaping shrub in warm climates or indoors as a low-maintenance houseplant.
Botanical Name
Portulacaria afra
Also Known As
Elephant’s Food | Dwarf Jade | Miniature Jade | 金枝玉叶 | 马齿苋树 | 银杏木
Specifications
Plant Type
Native From
USDA Zone
Light Needs
Watering Needs
Leaves
Life Cycle
Avg. Mature Size
Growth Rate
Bloom Time
Flower Color
Succulent
South Africa
9 – 11
Full sun to partial shade
Dry to Moderate
Evergreen
Perennial
1′-3′ Tall Indoors, 8′-12′ Tall Outdoors
Slow – Moderate
Non-Flowering
Non-Flowering
