Is Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) Poisonous? (ANSWERED)
The good news is if you have just discovered one of your pets or children have taken a bite of Elephant Bush – they are safe. Elephant bush is not toxic to pets or children.
TL;DR
- Elephant bush (portulacaria afra) is non-toxic and safe to keep around pets and children.
- Steps should still be taken to prevent pets and children from eating Elephant bush.
- Learn how to identify Elephant bush compared with other succulents.
What is Elephant Bush?
Elephant bush is a South African beauty that belongs to the succulent family with beautiful round glossy leaves approximately half an inch in diameter. Leaves form along fleshy stems that grow from several central branches.
The leaves look like little green coins – which is why some people also refer to it as the money tree.
The actual botanical name is Portulacaria Afra. But it is affectionately referred to as the Elephant bush because it actually forms part of the diet of the large mammals. Other common names include pork bush, purslane tree, and spekboom.
The plant forms a small bush growing 8-15 feet (2.4 – 4.5 meters) tall.