Portulacaria affra
Common names: Spekboom, Pork Bush, Elephant’s Food
Even if you are not a succulent fan, you have to love the Spekboom. It is proudly South African, and is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, especially in the semi-arid Karoo region where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant.
What is not to love about the Spekboom?
- It is a marvellous drought tolerant shrub, and is generally suited to all areas of South Africa.
- It is a carbon sponge with the potential to tackle carbon emission like no other plant. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
- It is an excellent soil binding plant to help prevent soil erosion.
- It thrives even in poor soil, and tolerates both drought and a little frost.
- It is easy to propagate and easy to grow, a very rewarding shrub.
- It can reach up to 3 metres, but is very easily trimmed into a versatile hedge or screening plant.
Some more amazing facts about the Spekboom
- Spekboom can live up to and over 100 years.
- They can adapt to their surroundings. During the cool, wet cool months, they photosynthesis like other plants, by opening its stomata during the day to absorb carbon dioxide. In the drier times, they have the ability to open their stomata at night time, to prevent water loss in the heat of the day.
- Spekboom is edible with a high nutritional value and is a favoured food for elephants, kudus and rhinos. But even better, we can also eat it! With a slightly acidic taste, its leaves are juicy and full of moisture. Enjoy it in your salad.
- It makes a brilliant fast-growing bonsai specimen.
- It attracts bees, butterflies and birds to your garden.
- Also, is a good container and filler plant.
- Suitable for coastal gardens and a good windbreak.
- The juice in the leaves is used as an antiseptic and for soothing skin ailments like pimples and insect bites.
The Spekboom can be planted anywhere as long as the soil is well drained. It has no special needs but a little compost will encourage quicker growth and greener leaves. In spring, small star-shaped pink flowers appear, and is followed by tiny, paper, winged fruits. The shrub is exceptionally beautiful in full flower, when it is a mass of pink.
Portulacaria comes in variegated forms, a yellow leaved variety, as well as the green leaves in smaller and bigger leaves.
What is not to love about the Spekboom? It is budget-friendly, hunger friendly, health-friendly and most of all environmental-friendly!
If there is any plant that is a definite must in your garden, this is it!
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