Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fast-growing succulent native to South Africa. It features small, fleshy green leaves and reddish-brown woody stems. It gets its unique common name because it serves as a primary, favorite food source for wild elephants. Often called "Dwarf Jade," it looks highly similar to the classic jade plant but is entirely unrelated and grows much faster. Its robust, multi-stemmed growth habit makes it highly adaptable, commonly grown outdoors as a large landscaping shrub in warm climates or indoors as a low-maintenance houseplant. Botanical Name Portulacaria afra Also Known As Elephant's Food | Dwarf Jade | Miniature Jade | 金枝玉叶 | 马齿苋树 | 银杏木 Specifications Plant Type Native From USDA Zone Light Needs Watering Needs Leaves Life Cycle Avg. Mature Size Growth Rate Bloom Time Flower Color SucculentSouth Africa9 - 11Full sun to partial shadeDry to ModerateEvergreenPerennial1'-3' Tall Indoors, 8'-12' Tall OutdoorsSlow - ModerateNon-FloweringNon-Flowering
