Elephant Food

Elephant Food

The Elephant Food plant, scientifically known as Portulacaria afra, is a remarkable succulent shrub or small tree widely recognized for its ecological importance and ornamental appeal. This versatile plant is native to the dry climate zones across coastal and inland parts of South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape, where it flourishes on rocky outcrops, slopes, and in bushveld environments. As a long-lived perennial, Elephant Food can live for 50 years or more, sometimes even longer, developing into a substantial specimen in its native habitat.

Its most distinctive characteristics include its thick, flexible, and often reddish-brown stems and trunks that mature to a grayish color, supporting a dense canopy of foliage. The small, rounded, fleshy, bright to emerald green leaves are arranged in pairs along the stems, giving it a lush, miniature appearance. The common name “Elephant Food” derives from the fact that it is a favorite food source for elephants and other grazing animals in its native range, which ironically helps propagate the plant as broken branches root easily. While primarily grown for its attractive foliage and unique form, mature plants may produce tiny, inconspicuous pink or lavender flowers in clusters at the ends of the branches, typically in late spring or early summer, though flowering is less common in cultivation. Elephant Food is exceptionally drought-tolerant and can withstand heat and various soil types, provided they are well-draining. Its adaptability, ease of care, and ability to be pruned and shaped make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, containers, bonsai, and even as a low-maintenance hedge.