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13 Portulacaria afra Varieties:
1:12 Portulacaria afra
1:44 Portulacaria afra Variegata
2:33 Portulacaria afra Prostrata
3:19 Portulacaria afra macrophylla
4:06 Portulacaria afra variegata pink
4:16 Portulacaria afra Medio Picta
4:37 Portulacaria afra Minima
5:17 Portulacaria afra Bonsai
5:27 Portulacaria afra Aurea
5:51 Portulacaria afra Decumbent
6:33 Portulacaria afra Cork Bark
6:57 Portulacaria afra Skyscraper
7:16 Portulacaria afra Manny
Portulacaria afra (pronounced por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh AF-ruh) is commonly known as Elephant Bush or Elephant Food Plant. Native to South Africa and used to feed elephants in their natural habitat, hence the name Elephant Bush. It forms up to 80% of an elephant's diet. In fact, they can eat up to 400 pounds of leaves per day.
Several Portulacaria afra varieties exist. Elephant Bush plants can grow tree-like, making them popular among bonsai tree growers. Some are naturally occurring. However, some are actually bred in cultivation.
Portulacaria afra is commonly mistaken for a Jade plant. Therefore, often referred to as Dwarf Jade, Mini Jade, Baby Jade, Small Leaf Jade, Chinese Jade Plant. Even though Portulacaria afra closely resembles Jade Plants, they actually are not related at all.
Let’s review 13 Portulacaria afra varieties.
Portulacaria Afra
The most common Portulacaria afra has emerald green leaves. In fact, with some sun exposure, leaf edges are tinged with red. Additionally, stems are initially light green and darken to reddish-brown to brown as they mature.
Portulacaria afra grows 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) tall and spreads indefinitely. In fact in their natural habitat they can grow as high as 20 feet (6 meters) tall. Definitely great in succulent arrangements as they add height and texture. Additionally, they can be used as a hedge when pruned back.
Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Elephant Bush)
Variegated Elephant Bush are quite similar to Portulacaria Afra. However, tiny leaves are variegated with cream and light green stripes. Additionally, pink highlights can appear on the leaf edges with increased sunlight. Leaf color varies with new growth and color shades are influenced by the time of the year, water and fertilizer.
Their reddish-brown stems in these are also more pronounced. In fact, they tend to grow laterally as opposed to upright like Portulacaria Afra.
As with many variegated varieties, they grow a bit slower than their non-variegated forms. Also, like most variegated versions they do not tolerate as much light. Indeed common in cultivation and a great container plant or as ground cover.
Also known as: Variegated Portulacaria afra, Portulacaria afra ‘Foliis variegatus’, Portulacaria afra foliis variegatis, Portulacaria afra f. Variegata, Portulacaria afra f. foliis flavo-variegatis, Portulacaria Variegata
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