Portulacaria afra - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
afra
ID:
799767
Status:
valid
Authors:
Jacq.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1787
Citation Micro:
Collectanea 1: 160 (1787)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000799101
Common Names
- Portulacaria afra
- Afra Portulacaria
- African Portulacaria
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesDescription
Portulacaria afra (also called Elephant bush, among many other common names) is a species of succulent plant in the family Portulacaceae. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 m tall. It is native to South Africa, where it is found in dry savannas and rocky hillsides.
Uses & Benefits
Portulacaria afra is used as an ornamental plant for its showy, green foliage, and is also used as a hedge plant. It is drought tolerant and can be used as a windbreak.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Portulacaria afra has small, white flowers. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Portulacaria afra is a succulent that can be propagated from cuttings or by seed. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frosts.
Where to Find Portulacaria afra
Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa. It is found in dry savanna and scrubland, at altitudes of up to 1,500 m.
Portulacaria afra FAQ
What is the scientific name of Portulacaria afra?
Portulacaria afra
What type of plant is Portulacaria afra?
Succulent
Where is Portulacaria afra found?
South Africa
Species in the Portulacaria genus
Species in the Didiereaceae family
Alluaudia ascendens, Alluaudia comosa, Alluaudia dumosa, Alluaudia humbertii, Alluaudia montagnacii, Alluaudia procera, Alluaudiopsis fiherenensis, Alluaudiopsis marnieriana, Calyptrotheca somalensis, Calyptrotheca taitensis, Ceraria carrissoana, Ceraria fruticulosa, Ceraria longipedunculata, Ceraria namaquensis, Ceraria pygmaea, Ceraria kuneneana, Ceraria kaokoensis, Decarya madagascariensis, Didierea madagascariensis, Didierea trollii, Portulacaria afra, Portulacaria armiana,
References
The Plant List v1.1 record kew-337506: Based on the initial data import
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin (1727-1817): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Jacq.' in the authors string.