Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra
Common Name: Purslane Tree, Elephant’s Food, Elephant Bush Type of Plant: dicot: shrub Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape open and pyramidal when young, more irregular and dense with age – loosely branched with thick, fleshy tapering stems Height to 12' Spread to 12' Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors half shade to full sun Soil tolerates any soil Hardiness some frost (zones 16, 17, 22-24) Morphology: Leaves opposite, sessile obovate, dark green to 1/2" long succulent and rounded attached to wine-red stems Flowers tiny pink flowers in terminal clusters seldom seen in California Fruit insignificant Propagation: stem cuttings (allow to dry for a day before planting) Usage: good in containers, as an informal screen or hedge; also good as a filler in mass planting – mix with other succulents Landscape Care: Watering prefers to be kept on the dry side Fertilizing none Pruning control size, head back to force bushiness Pests/Diseases none Special Conditions/Other Origin: South Africa Family: Portulacaceae Notes: |
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