Elephant food

Porkbush, Dwarf Jade plant (Eng.), Spekboom (Afr.)

Portulacaria afra, better known locally as Spekboom, is an attractive and robust succulent shrub or small tree that is planted across the globe and is often used ornamentally as a hardy bonsai. It has small round succulent leaves and red stems which survive in arid conditions, forms part of elephants', among other animals, diets and is also used by people for culinary and medicinal purposes. What makes this plant so unique is that it does not only fulfill the various needs of both human and animal, ​but that it also promotes a healthier environment by preventing soil erosion and being an excellent carbon sponge.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Winter

Fruiting time

Spring

Harvesting

Pick leaves at any time, as needed to add to food, or to use medicinally.

Propagation

Cuttings

Roots easily and can be planted directly into the ground where they are to grow. Cuttings can be taken in the normal manner(about 10-15cm, remove bottom leaves), allow to dry out and plant in washed river sand.

Seed

Seed is not often available.

Special features

Attracts birds

It is a source of nectar or water for insects thereby it also attracts insectivorous birds.

Attracts useful insects

They are a rich source of nectar and water for many insects, such as bees.

Drought resistant

In dry conditions when other plants have to shutdown and wait for sufficient rain, Elephant bush can use CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) to keep taking up carbon and continue growing.

Hedge plant

The Elephant bush can be used as a screen or even a clipped hedge.

Pot plant

Just make sure that the pot has large drainage holes and that the plant never stands in water.

Indoor plant

Place the plant in a room with direct sun and without a draught.

Geography

Origin

Native to South Africa

Natural climate

Arid to semi-arid desert. Mediterranean.

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Dry

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Neutral

Frost hardiness

Half-Hardy

Uses

Medicinal

The leaves are used to treat over-exhaustion, dehydration, blisters, acne, insect bites and sunburn, and also to lower high blood sugar levels. Traditionally used to promote the flow of breast milk.

Edible

Leaves can be eaten raw from the plant or in salads or added to stew. Honey is made from the plant. It is also valuable stock feed.

Bonsai

Easy Bonsai start for amateurs!

Notes

Prevents soil erosion. Medicinal properties. Carbon sponge.

Personality

Family

Portulacaceae

Flower colour

Pink

Scent

None

Problems

A mistletoe, Viscum crassulae, parasitizes this plant. Pests include the whitefly, spider mites and mealybugs.

Tobacco whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

Citrus mealybug

Planococcus citri