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Portulacaria afra

Elephant Food

This plant can be kept at nearly any size, but requires dry roots between waterings. The leaves are edible, though with a sour flavor. It is widely browsed by wild and domestic animals in Africa and, while it is touted as a favorite food of elephants, even ostriches and cattle enjoy it, though seems to be less palatable to deer and rabbits.

  • Emerald green leaves on red stems
  • Takes to pruning well
  • Makes a great drought tolerant foundation plant
  • Height: 1-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-5 ft
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Category: Groundcover