These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Portulacaria afra Flower. Elephant bush is a drought-tolerant plant, ideally suited to growing in arid, desert-like environments.. However, it is the most preferable to remain a smaller plant growing only a few feet tall. This site uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Other names of Portulacaria Afra include porkbush and spekboom. Portulacaria afra flowers only when it is grown in the ground in conditions similar to its native habitat. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) Also known as Elephant’s food/the Pork bush, Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub with small rounded leaves and a contrasting red stem. Builders Warehouse – Port Elizabeth, Alma Kwekery – Welkom From October to Jananuary after rain, it is covered in clear pink to rosy mauve flowers. Portulacaria afra, is an evergreen succulent shrub or small tree originally from South Africa, where it reaches up to four meters in height. Builders Express – Queenstown Builders Warehouse Bloemfontein Portulacaria armiana is a large succulent-leafed shrub bearing grey-green leaves and long perennial whipstick-like branches with sprays of soft white flowers.It is endemic to the lower Orange River Valley, growing in the Ai-Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park. In addition to the “normal” method of photosynthesis, these plants can undergo CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis. Is Able to Survive Moderately Low Temperatures. We have been growing Portulacarias for almost 30 years and we have never seen 1 flower but have heard that they do flower in their country of origin (South Africa). A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. Garden Pavilion – Sunkist Portulacaria is generally suited to all areas of SA but is not ideal in heavy frost areas. Portulacaria afra Botanical Information. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In some areas, spekboom is used for fodder during droughts. Spekboom. FLOWER COLOUR: HEDGE SPACING: 1m FLOWERING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D FRUITING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D . These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Builders Warehouse – Tygerberg, **Please note that not all stockists will have every plant featured**. Builders Express – Walker drive In some areas, spekboom is used for fodder during droughts. Portulacaria afra plant prefers growing in dry, rocky slopes and outcrops. Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. Lifestyle Home Garden – Randburg In cultivation it often remains a decorative small shrub with small round fleshy leaves carried on red stems. Flowers and Fragrance The five-pointed star-shaped flower becomes about 5 mm in diameter. During the spring, its flowers only grow if the environment is mild and the heat isn’t strong. It has attractive round, glossy leaves on long arching succulent branches. Builders Warehouse – Table View P. afra ‘Prostrata’ and ‘Green Carpet’ are both low growing and make an excellent ground cover in dry areas. Scientific name: Portulacaria afra Synonyms: Spekboom, Bacon Tree, Pork Bush, Elephant’s Food, Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant. Stodels – Bellville The leaves have a pleasant acid flavour and can be used in salads. The plants are drought tolerant and fire-resistant. Builders Express – Knysna Spekboom (portulacaria Afra) is an indigenous plant and proudly South African It is a plant that has MANY benefits such as tackling carbon emissions like no other plant can. Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub with small rounded leaves and a contrasting red stem. While similar in looks and early growth habit to Jade plant, Elephant bush is distinct in a number of important ways. They even transform carbon dioxide into oxygen during the night which is very unique to … The word afra is in reference to the fact that the plant occurs in Africa. ). Description. This, in turn, ensures your garden will be filled with birds. Late winter and spring bring a flash of tiny pink flowers to this plant. These flowers are a rich form of nectar for insects. Portulacaria afra is marvellous drought tolerant, a carbon sponge and an excellent soil binding plant to prevent soil erosion. The star-shaped pink flowers appear in dense sprays on short side branchlets. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. In their natural habitat they bear soft pink flowers. It is also known as the Elephant Bush, Jade Tree or Money Tree. This is natively to South Africa. All in all an easy to grow and very rewarding shrub! Description: Portulacaria afra (Elephant's food or Dwarf jade plant) is a handsome little succulent tree, in dry regions, where it is also a valuable fodder plant. It has attractive round, glossy leaves on long arching succulent branches. Portulacaria is generally suited to all areas of SA but is not ideal in heavy frost areas. The fruit is a 3-winged papery capsule. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) Well-known for its unique carbon-absorbing properties, this indigenous succulent grows easily from cuttings. Also known as Elephant’s food/the Pork bush, Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub with small rounded leaves and a contrasting red stem. After rain it is covered in clear pink to rosy mauve flowers. Borne at the end of the stem in clusters, they are rich in nectar and wildly attractive to bees and other insects. zabelli (Tatarian honeysuckle), Camellia sasanqua (Christmas, Yuletide camellia), Cistus x hybrids and species (Rock roses, Sun roses). Its roots are very adaptable and thrive in shallow bonsai containers. Built by Brand Candy, Powered by VISIBILITI. This very drought resistant tree grows in dry shade under trees or in full sun. All in all an easy to grow and very rewarding shrub! Garden Pavilion – Eckards Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. Builders Express East London An evergreen succulent tree with fleshy stems and a dense crown. The elephant bust itself can stand hot weather and humid climate, but it’s flowers cannot. A fine hedging plant, this bush has small, fleshy, round leaves and becomes covered in small pink flowers in early summer. Semi Frost Hardy – Is Able to Survive Moderately Low Temperatures. After rain it is covered in clear pink to rosy mauve flowers. The leaves of these plants are edible and have a tart flavor. The word “afra” is in reference to the fact that the plant occurs in Africa. From October to January, after rain, it is covered in clear pink to rosy mauve, nectar rich flowers - … Scientific name: Portulacaria afra Other Names: Spekboom, E lephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant, Porkbush Origin: Indigenous Position: Sun - Semi Shade Water Requirements: Low Hardiness: Frost Tender Flower Color: Pinkish White Flower Time: Su mmer Height: ±120cm, usually smaller Spread: ±100cm Other: Evergreen, Perennial The Spekboom or Porkbush is a very popular and useful garden … Its small, round leaves are edible and have medicinal properties. When you talk about portulacaria afra care, the house is an excellent place to grow Portulacaria afra because there is a controlled climate. 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To your plant Label identified by yellow and green GCA flags, present at centres... Succulent garden plant in use around the Elephant bush, Jade tree or Money tree in clusters they...
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