Jade plant
Crassula ovata has thicker, larger leaves and is toxic to pets.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Spekboom.
Portulacaria afra
Also found as Elephant bush · Porkbush
A succulent shrub of South African thicket with small round leaves on red stems that taste tart and lemony.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Many succulents are toxic, including jade plant; confirm the species.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 3,682
- People who recorded it
- 599
- Most records (southern hemisphere)
- Apr–May, Aug, Oct–Nov
- Records span
- 1990–2026
| January | 94 |
|---|---|
| February | 158 |
| March | 111 |
| April | 593 |
| May | 259 |
| June | 168 |
| July | 249 |
| August | 577 |
| September | 245 |
| October | 551 |
| November | 364 |
| December | 244 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Succulent shrub with reddish-brown stems.
- 02
Small, round, fleshy opposite leaves.
- 03
Tiny star-shaped pink flowers.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to the Eastern Cape and neighboring South Africa; grown as an ornamental worldwide.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves year-round.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Eat leaves raw in salads.
Care for the patch
Spekboom thicket is important habitat and is being restored; pick only from gardens.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Portulacaria afraBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Portulacaria afraTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction