Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: What Are The Differences?

The jade plant and the elephant bush are evergreen succulent plants distinguished by their thick, waxy leaves. Both are suited to surviving in harsh arid climates with little water. In fact, at first glance, it is easy to assume that they are both exactly the same plant, given their vast similarities. However, when we look closer, we find that they are actually very different plants. So join us as we discover everything you need to know about elephant bush vs jade plant!

Comparing Jade Plant vs Elephant Bush

The Key Differences Between Elephant Bush and Jade Plant

The main difference between the elephant bush and the jade plant is size.

Elephant bushes are much larger than jade plants. Other differences include the size of their leaves, the color of their stems, and the shape of their stems. One is also safe to eat, while the other isn’t.

Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: Family Group

Although elephant bushes and jade plants look very similar, they are actually not at all related. Elephant bushes are members of the Didiereaceae family group, which contains 20 different species. Members of Didiereaceae are known for their ability to grow in sub-arid and arid habitats.

Jade plants are members of the Crassulaceae family group, known as the stonecrop family. Crassulaceae is a large group that contains approximately 1,400 different species across 35 genera. Most species can thrive in dry or cold regions with very little water.

Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: Size

One of the most noticeable differences between elephant bushes and jade plants is the size that they can grow to. Jade plants typically reach 5 to 8 feet tall, but elephant bushes are much larger. Elephant bushes can grow to a staggering height of 20 feet tall. As their name suggests, they are actually a favorite food of elephants. Incredibly, elephants help promote its growth as they spread the lower branches apart as they are eating and disperse the seeds, which then grow into new thickets.

Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: Leaves

The leaves of jade plants and elephant bushes look incredibly similar as they are both thick and waxy. The leaves of jade plants are strictly oval-shaped, while the leaves of the elephant bush are more rounded to a slight oval shape. However, the major difference is the size, as jade plants have significantly larger leaves than elephant bushes. The leaves of jade plants are approximately 2 inches long, whereas the leaves of the elephant bush are only around 3/4 inches long.

Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: Flowers

There are also some slight differences between the flowers of elephant bushes and jade plants. Jade plants have pink or white star-shaped flowers which grow in clusters at the end of the branches. However, elephant bushes have white flowers, usually smaller and not star-shaped. They are also spaced out along the branches rather than being gathered at the end of the branches.

Elephant Bush vs Jade Plant: Toxicity

The final difference between these two plants is the level of their toxicity. As we’ve already mentioned, the elephant bush is regularly eaten by elephants. However, it is also a staple for tortoises and is fed to livestock such as goats due to its drought-resistant properties, meaning that it is succulent for most of the year. Elephant bush is not toxic at all and is even widely eaten by humans across Africa – typically in soup or a salad.

However, the jade plant is toxic, although only mildly so. It is toxic to humans and animals and can cause vomiting if ingested, and it can also cause mild skin irritation if touched in some cases. Therefore, it’s important to know the difference between the two plants!

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