Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush
Synonym:
Family: Portulacaceae
 |
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 8,9,12-27 USDA: 10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 30°F ( -1°C) Heat Tolerance: Can take full sun in summer in Phoenix Sun Exposure: Any exposure Origin: South Africa Growth Habits: Small tree or succulent shrub to 12 feet tall Watering Needs: Moderate to little water, very drought resistant Propagation: Cuttings |
Portulacaria afra is a good plant for the Phoenix area, you can grow it in pot with full sun part of the day in summer, water it every 2 weeks and it will look fine (of course it does better if you show more consideration). It can also be used to make outstanding bonsais, like the one in the second picture taken at "The Boojum Tree" here in Phoenix.
Blooming Habits:
The pink flowers are seldom seen outside the wild.
Fruiting Habits:
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
Sponsors:
|
|
|
|
|
 |
We do get a small commission out of these sponsors that helps financing the website. Let us know if you are satisfied or dissatisfied of their services, since obviously we are trying to advertise only for reputable garden supply companies. They might be helpful to get plants not generally available at the local garden center, getting a new and unusual gardening tool or get a discount Better Homes and Gardens magazine subscription.