Portulacaria spp.
spekbooms
Overview
Portulacaria is a small genus of succulent shrubs in the family Didiereaceae, native to southern Africa and represented in cultivation almost entirely by the spekboom or elephant bush, P. afra. Plants form much-branched succulent shrubs or small trees 6-15 ft (1.8-4.5 m) tall in habitat, with smooth, reddish-brown to purple stems and small, rounded, fleshy green leaves 0.2-0.8 in (5-20 mm) long arranged in opposite pairs. Small star-shaped pink flowers appear in clusters in warm, dry conditions, though plants in cultivation flower only sparingly. The genus is highly drought-tolerant and can switch between two modes of photosynthesis, fixing carbon efficiently in dry conditions, which has drawn interest for use in thicket restoration and carbon storage in South Africa. The leaves are edible, with a tart, lemony taste, and are browsed by elephants, tortoises, and other animals. The genus is frost-tender and is grown outdoors in warm, dry climates and widely as a container, bonsai, and house plant elsewhere. A variegated form with cream-edged leaves is commonly grown.
Native Range
The genus is native to southern Africa, where P. afra grows in the arid thicket and succulent scrub of South Africa Eastern Cape and neighbouring regions. It forms a major part of the spekboom thicket vegetation grazed by elephants and other wildlife.Suggested Uses
Portulacaria is grown as a drought-tolerant landscape and hedge shrub in warm, dry climates, as a groundcover and slope stabiliser, and very widely as a container, bonsai, and house plant. Plants are spaced 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) apart as a low hedge. Trailing growth from the variegated form is used in hanging displays.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 15'
Width/Spread2' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, cream-variegated in one formGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Portulacaria in full sun to bright light in a free-draining, gritty cactus or succulent mix with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The genus stores water in its leaves and stems and tolerates drought, so water only when the soil has dried and reduce watering sharply in winter. Overwatering and cold, wet soil cause stem and root rot. The genus is frost-tender and is kept above about 40 F (4 C), grown indoors or under glass where winters are cold. Plants take full sun and heat once acclimatised and can scorch if moved abruptly into strong sun. Pieces broken or cut from the stems root readily as cuttings.Pruning
Portulacaria tolerates regular pruning and pinching, which makes it a favourite subject for bonsai and topiary. Stems are cut back at any time in the warm season to shape the plant and encourage branching. Removed cuttings root easily in dry, gritty soil.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons