The pollinators of Portulacaria afra include many insect species, bees featuring among them. The flowers are nectar rich.
Insectivorous birds will as a consequence also seek lunch around these plants when they are in flower. In cultivation the porkbush does not always flower well, affecting its bird attractor capacity (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; www.plantzafrica.com).