Elephant bush, can grow to 250 cm or more. It is most attractive in full bloom, as a mass of soft pink nectar-rich flowers flourish at the ends of the branchlets. Flowering is generally only seen on older, established plants. The image is from one of our plants growing in the Algarve.

Recently found to be effective in carbon sequestration, it has been deemed as a miracle plant. The plant is also referred to as elephant’s food (and hence its name elephant bush) as it is what elephants love most and forms part of their vast diet. The Afrikaans word spekboom directly translates to ‘bacon tree’, which is how the name ‘porkbush’ came into being. It is said to be an exceptional, fresh addition to salads, and a small sprig will add a delicious flavour to a stew. During the day, leaves have an acid flavour, and they become less acidic towards the evening. It has a wide range of medicinal uses. The leaves can be chewed to treat a sore throat and mouth infections. Juiced leaves are used as an antiseptic and to soothe skin ailments such as pimples, rashes, insect stings and sunburn.

It is drought adapted, ideal as a specimen or succulent hedge. Fire-resistant and transplants easily, even large plants will establish within a season. An extremely useful plant to provide some cover on dry rocky slopes, looks good interplanted among other species to provide cover and structure in the garden. This plant also makes a good specimen in a container or pot and will withstand extreme conditions such as those on a western or south facing balcony.

We have many different sizes available to order in advance.