Portulacaria afra
(Linnaeus) Jacquin
Jade plant, Elephant's food
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPortulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, porkbush, purslane tree, dwarf jade and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and green leaves, but a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. They are simple to care for and make easy houseplants for a sunny location. In frost-free regions they may be used in outdoor landscaping.
Description
A small juicy leafed tree. It grows to about 1-4.5 m tall. The branches are grey and shiny. The new stems are reddish-brown. The roots are thick and clasp rocks. The leaves are flat and fleshy. They are simple and oval. They are slightly pointed and narrow to the base. They occur in opposite pairs at right angles down the twigs. The twigs are red. The leaves are edible. The flowers are star like and small. The flowers are pink or purple. The fruit is small and three winged. They are transparent and have a single seed inside. The leaves are edible.
Edible Uses
In Southern Africa it is commonly eaten, usually as one component of a salad or a soup. It should not be confused with the jade plant, which is mildly toxic. P. afra is also used to feed livestock during periods of drought due to its succulent nature. Most commonly used for cattle and goats, these plants also act as a supplemental source of water on top of their nutritional benefits for livestock.
Traditional Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw. They are tart and used in small amounts in salads. They are a thirst suppresant.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
This is one of the many plants used as a traditional treatment for skin conditions used by people in rural areas that do not have easy access to more modern medicine.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in drier places. It can be damaged by frost. It can stand high temperatures. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall 250-750 mm. It grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Pacific, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from cuttings. One year old wood is best to use. The plants can be pruned into a hedge. Many branches on trees come into contact with the soil and form roots. These natural layers can be used for planting. They can also be grown from seed.
Propagation
Seed - Cuttings, even when quite large, root easily. They can be planted directly into the ground where they are to be grown. Alternatively, the cuttings can be taken in the normal fashion and allowed to dry out for a day or two in a cool dry place and then planted in washed river sand and kept in a shady position until they are rooted and ready to be planted out. They root quickly and can usually be planted out after four to six weeks.
Other Uses
The plant can be used as a soil binder to prevent erosion. The plant can be used as a screen or a clipped hedge. At least one form of the plant can be grown as a prostrate, low-growing ground cover.
Production
Plants grow quickly.
Other Information
The leaves are especially eaten by children.
Notes
There is probably only one Portulacaria species. The leaves are claimed to increase nursing mother's milk supply.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 84 | 212 | 51 | 1.4 | — | 40.6 | 1.1 | 0.4 |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Grmasti tolščak, Igwanisha, Isicococo, Isidibiti esikhulu, Porkbush, Sidonwane, Spekboom
References (36)
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