Portulacaria afra - Nana - Hybrid

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Botanical Name

Family

Portulacaceae - The purslane family.

Pronunciation

por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh AF-ruh

Common Name(s)

English: Dwarf spekboom

Plant Group

Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.

Plant Size

Small to Medium

Tree 8m to 15m

Shrub 75cm to 1m

Perennial/ground cover 20cm to 40cm

Bulb 30cm to 40cm

Succulent 20cm to 40cm

Position

Canopy Shade Canopy shade is found below closely grown trees where some light filters through. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Deep / Full Shade Shade below spreading evergreen trees where sun's rays are unable to penetrate the canopy at any time. For light sensitive plants
Dry Shade Shady areas where soil has poor water retention or are dependent on rain for their moisture needs.
Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Sand tolerant Plants adapted to survive in nutrient poor, very sandy soils.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
Wind Tolerant Plants able to withstand the effect of strong winds.

Specific Information

This is a most useful hybrid of Portulacarai afra. It is similar in all respects to the spekboom, but has a prostrate, ceeping habit, making a low, dense, evergreen and very robust ground cover. As with Portulacarai afra, it rehabilitates and restores soil, has carbon carbon storing ability and is edible.

Ad Break

Flowers

Description

small, star-shaped blooms on dainty spikes

Season

Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

pink

Growth Rate

Moderate to Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Foliage Plant Plants grown because their foliage is colorful or unique. Many of these plants have insignificant flowers.
Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
Interplanting Arranging and planting plants in the garden that have different blooming times and habits of growth, extending the amount of time in which the area is in flower.
Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
Retaining Walls Shallow rooted plants for cascading over dry stone walls or planting in hollow spots in retaining blocks.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
Suitable for smaller gardens Such plants do not have invasive root systems, remain small or controllable and can often be grown in containers.