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Prostrate Elephant Food
Prostrate Elephant Food (Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata') is a low-growing, creeping, and trailing variant of the classic Elephant Bush. Native to the dry, rocky regions of South Africa, this succulent features fleshy, glossy-green, paddle-shaped leaves clustered along arching, reddish-mahogany stems. Unlike the upright tree-like species, the prostrate cultivar forms a dense, spreading mat or cascading drape, making it popular for groundcovers, rock gardens, retaining walls, hanging baskets, and trailing bonsai styles. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant, resilient, and highly adaptable in warm, arid landscapes.
Botanical Name
Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata'
Also Known As
Prostrate Elephant Bush | Trailing Elephant Bush | Dwarf Jade | Miniature Jade | 金枝玉叶 | 马齿苋树 | 银杏木
Specifications
Plant Type
Native From
USDA Zone
Light Needs
Watering Needs
Leaves
Life Cycle
Avg. Mature SizeGrowth Rate
Succulent
South Africa
9 - 11
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Low
Evergreen
Perennial
1' Tall and 3'-6' Wide
Fast
🔍 Plant Toxicity Checker
⚠️ Plant Safety & Allergy Notice
⚠️ PROP 65 WARNING - This product can expose you to chemicals including wood dust and crystalline silica (from soil/perlite), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
