Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Didiereaceae

Genus:

Portulacaria

Species:

Portulacaria afra

USDA Symbol:

POAF

Growth Characteristics

Height:

450 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

pink, white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, birds, tortoises, elephants

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or cutting; succulent leaves are not flammable.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid, rocky regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Propagation is typically done via stem cuttings rather than seed, as cuttings root readily in warm conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI