< Back

Elephants Food

Portulacaria afra

true

1 gallon

Elephants Food

In stock

1'x10'

Sizes:

Elephant Bush – Portulacaria afra
Also known as: Elephant’s Food, Spekboom

A versatile and low-maintenance succulent groundcover, Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa but widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid landscapes. It spreads via reddish-brown stems that root easily when they touch the ground, creating a mat-like groundcover. The tiny, round, fleshy leaves are typically bright green but may be variegated in cultivated forms. Leaves measure about ½ inch long and are arranged alternately along the stems.

In hot, dry climates like the Colorado and Sonoran Deserts, this plant does well in both full sun and light shade. It is extremely drought tolerant, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes, but it will spread more rapidly with occasional irrigation. While flowering is uncommon in cultivated landscapes, small, pale lavender flowers may appear at the ends of stems during summer under more natural or stress-induced conditions.

Portulacaria afra is often used in erosion control and is said to act as a “carbon sponge,” sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon. In its native habitat, it is favored by elephants and other large browsers, though domestic and wild animals such as deer and livestock may also graze it. Interestingly, rabbits don’t seem particularly drawn to it, making it a more reliable choice in areas with heavy rabbit pressure. It can be kept compact or used to fill large spaces with light pruning.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Unlikely in cultivated settings; possible source for small insects when in bloom
Bird Resources: Shelter
Bird Species: House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis) [shelter only, no fruit or seed value confirmed]

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Full Shade

Mature size:

1'x10'

Growth rate:

Moderate-Fast

Flower color:

Lavender

Flower season:

Spring-Summer

Pruning:

Shaping as required

Cold Hardiness:

30 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.