Elephant’s Food
Portulacaria afra
Family: Didiereaceae
This is a plant most people in our region only see as small specimens or potted plants. In the wild they grow into arborescent plants reaching up to 15’ tall with trunks. The clones that are common in the trade may be dwarf selections of the species and not have the capability to reach such dimensions. Most often they are shrubby plants that are about 3-4’ tall and usually much wider. In containers they will be stunted but may billow over the sides of the container.
They aren’t well-known for their flowers but occasionally they bloom with attractive flushes of pink flowers (see image below). Although they look a lot like Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) they are much easier to grow in our hot summer climate. They are not even closely related—Jade plants are in the Crassulaceae. Elephant’s food is in the Didiereaceae, and is closer related to plants like the Madagascar ocotillo (Alluaudia procera).
Plants can grow in full sun to bright shade, and even seem to be able to handle reflective heat. Low water is required but occasional irrigation keeps plants happy and healthy. Plants need to be protected from frost—they will begin to show frost damage at about 30°F, but are root hardy to 25°F. Plants in containers need watering more often (as is always the case with plants).
Where this species is native, it is a source of food for multiple large herbivores, such as the Black rhinoceros and the African elephant. Although it is not the primary food source for these animals, it still makes up a significant portion of their diet.
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. This is one of the many plants used as a traditional treatment for skin conditions
It is very widespread in the east of South Africa.
There are a few selections in the trade to be mindful of:
"Limpopo": A variety with much larger leaves. It is the natural form from the far north of the species' range.
"Prostrata": A low-lying, decumbent form that is frequently used as a ground-cover.
"Aurea": A compact, upright form with rounded leaves that go bright yellow in the sun.
"Foliis variegatus": A variegated form.
"Medio-picta": Variegated with a lighter centre.
Elephant's food is often grown in a container. Photo by Gail Frederick, Flickr
Every once in a while plants will flower, which surprises people in our region. They can be various shades of pink and occasionally white. Photo by Marie Delport, iNaturalist
Remarkably, plants in the wild get arborescent, up to 15' tall. Photo by Adriaan Grobler