4 Interesting Facts About Spekboom

A simple succulent, green leaves, a reddish stem. While it seems so ordinary, don’t let this plant fool you. It’s very special, and very much needed for our sustainability. While of course, all plants are needed, there is something extra special about the spekboom plant. To find out more, read below.

1. Spekboom Helps Fight Air Pollution

The Spekboom which is also known as Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food (or Portulacaria Afra if we’re getting fancy) is being hailed as South Africa’s wonder plant. It’ i’s able to absorb the highest amount of carbon dioxide when compared to other plants.

Ultimately, it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by acting as a carbon sponge. Spekboom can absorb between four to ten tonnes of carbon per hectare.

2. It’s a Water-Wise Plant

Living in South Africa means we are all trying our best to be water-wise at all times. It’s great to know that this little plant is low maintenance and drought and frost-resistant.

The Spekboom is able to adapt to both rainforest-like conditions and semi-arid conditions. Thus, it’s adaptable and suitable for almost any garden.

If you want a few simple water-saving tips, pop over to this blog post.

3. It’s Proudly South African.

This plant is native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Spekboom is mainly found in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant.

Did you know that it’s favoured by elephants, rhinos and kudus to eat? Yay for our beautiful animals!

4. It’s Easy To Grow

My mom has green fingers and I’m hoping that when I’m in my new place, I’ll become better in terms of my care for plants, as well as she does. But at least I know that it’s super easy to plant Spekboom.

It can take root and regrow, just from simple cuttings from existing trees. If don’t have a garden, you can even plant it in a small pot in your house.

Some More Facts & A Spekboom Planted On Your Birthday

While checking out Spekboom facts, I came across this United Nations Environment Programme which I found really interesting. You can check it out here at this link:Unenviroment.

Then, I read the article about Samara and if you join their mailing list, they will plant a Spekboom for you on your birthday on their farm! I love initiatives like this – you can sign up here: Samara

Plant your Spekboom and share your photo using the hashtag #spekboomchallenge to spread the eco love! Let me know if you have?

PS: below is from Bablyonstoren and the other photos are from my visit there.