elephant bush
Portulacaria afra Jacq.
Portulacaria afra, known as elephant bush, is a small-leaved succulent native to South Africa. It features a reddish stem and green leaves, with a variegated cultivar also common in cultivation. The plant is easy to care for and suitable as a houseplant in sunny conditions. In frost-free areas, it can be used for outdoor landscaping. It is widely distributed across several regions and has been documented since 1787.
Description
Portulacaria afra belongs to the Didiereaceae family and is part of the Portulacaria genus. It is found in regions such as India, Australia, the Galápagos Islands, Brazil, Taiwan, the Cape Provinces, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, the Northern Provinces, Sicilia, and Swaziland. This plant is valued for its low maintenance and adaptability to sunny environments, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor settings in suitable climates.
Other common names
elephant-bushelephant bush
Distribution
IN · AU · Galápagos Islands · BR · TW · Global · Cape Provinces · Kenya · KwaZulu-Natal · Mozambique · Northern Provinces · Sicilia · Swaziland
Synonyms
Crassula portulacariaHaenkea crassifoliaPortulacaria portulacariaPortulacaria afra f. variegataPortulacaria afra f. macrophyllaPortulacaria afra f. microphylla
