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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
cacti, succulents
Height
:
1 m-4 m
Spread
:
1 m-3 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
light pink
Size
:
12 cm
Period
:
March - May
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
1.8 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible
This popular succulent is native to scrub vegetation, thickets and dry riverbeds in eastern South
Africa and Mozambique. The Porkbush is now planted around the world for its ability to survive
certain extremes. It stands heat and drought even as a pot plant, and may be used as a bonsai. It
is often seen on footpaths and in planters in Arriyadh. The Porkbush usually grows as an oval
or round shrub some 2 metres high, but under favourable conditions it can reach double this
size. Reddish-brown, fleshy stems are aligned with round, succulent foliage. In early spring, tiny
flowers emerge in light pink. Porkbushes take severe pruning. In its homeland, they are occasio-
nally browsed by elephants and quickly recover from the base. Clipping and pinching allow the
plant to be grown in any sculptural shape desired, or as a hedge. It can be grouped or grown as a
specimen plant in rock gardens and any arid landscape. Some cultivars have peculiar characteri-
stics, such as ‘Aurea’ with its yellow-green foliage and ‘Foliis variegatis’ with ivory leaf edges. In-
teresting is ‘Limpopo’ with larger, ovate leaves up to 3 cm in length and 2 cm in width. The foliage
is edible and somewhat sour in taste. It brings relief to sore throats and cure mouth infections, as
well as insect stings and sunburns. Its deep roots and resistance to drought make this shrub an
ideal soil stabiliser on slopes. Both full sun and semi-shade are accepted. Propagation is very sim-
ple by cuttings that should be allowed to dry before being placed in a mix of sand and compost.
244
Portulacaria afra,
Portulacaceae
Elephant’s Food,
Porkbush