Portulacaria afra (L.) Jacq. has a widespread distribution in South Africa. There is a marked leaf size gradient from the southern to the northern part of its distribution. Small leaves in the south is understood as a stress tolerance strategy in hot, dry conditions, where large-leaved representatives are growing in more mesic climates where high and predictable precipitation during the summer months greatly reduce the probability of water stress in the growing season.
How to translate text using browser tools
12 May 2021
Portulacaria afra (L.) Jacq.: Variability and distribution
Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
Anso Le Roux
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE