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Products > Portulacaria afra 'Prostrate Form'
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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Didiereaceae |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Lavender |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [P. afra 'Minima', 'Prostrata'] |
| Height: Prostrate |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Portulacaria afra 'Prostrate Form' (Dwarf Elephant Food) - A low growing form of the typically upright species that grows less than 6 inches tall (usually flat to the ground) with a dense cover of arching and trailing reddish brown stems holding 1/2 long emerald green leaves. Like other varieties of this species, we rarely see it flower but when in very dry conditions one may get the tiny pale lavender flowers in summer. Plant in full sun or fairly deep shade. Makes a great drought tolerant groundcover plant and even an interesting hanging basket or low water balcony plant. Hardy to 25° F. This plant came to us from the Huntington Botanic Garden. This plant is also marketed as Portulacaria afra 'Minima' and Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata' and sometimes referred to a Groundcover Jade – whatever you call it, it is a gem of a plant. For more information on the species see our listing for Portulacaria afra. We also grow Portulacaria afra 'Aurea', another prostrate plant but with yellow new growth, Portulacaria afra 'Skyscraper' a narrow upright form, Portulacaria afra 'Cork Bark', a corky bark form great for bonsai use, Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' an upright plant with white variegated leaves, Portulacaria afra forma macrophylla , a large leafed form and Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' a stunning low growing plant with pink stems and leaves that have a wide central cream stripe. All are great drought tolerant plants useful in the landscape or as container specimens.
The information about Portulacaria afra 'Prostrate Form' displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our library and from reliable online resources. We also relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we visit, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others, and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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