Spekboom is proudly South African It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. Through Spring and Summer, Spekboom likes to be watered well, then allowed to almost dry out before its next drink. This miracle plant is not only water-wise, drought-resistant and deliciously crunchy in salads but is also well renowned for its remarkable carbon sequestering abilities. It favours north-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. It’s water wise. Spekboom Overview. 2. Looks best with regular watering in hotter months. 1. Spekboom; Elephant succulent … and comes in miniature and variegated variety as well. Please send us a message here. 1. Also an excellent soil binding plant prevents soil erosion. Hedging or windbreaks, as a fast growing bushy plant, spekboom is useful to grow around fields or vegetable gardens or around the perimeter of a chicken run (depending on how many chickens you have you may need to occasionally fence off the spekboom to let them recover) 3. Portulacaria afra plant prefers growing in dry, rocky slopes and outcrops. Considered to be a “miracle worker” in reducing carbon footprint, this proudly South African edible succulent is one of the most efficient plants at removing CO2 from the atmosphere, especially under ideal growing conditions. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. You will notice that the spekboom releases quite a lot of gooey liquid when cooking, this is quite normal. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Now, government programs and charities are looking into growing spekboom as a way to fight climate change. Spekboom is a drought-resistant plant that can survive on just 250mm to 350mm a year, so it’s low maintenance. There seems to be a growing pride in South African’s about our endemic shrub, spekboom. Spekboom, (Portulacaria Afra) also known as pork bush or elephant’s food, is our own indigenous wonder plant. In case you were wondering, it doesn’t taste like bacon. Because we are not there to plant them, we cannot be responsible for rooting failure due to improper planting or climate conditions. In winter, when it gets moisture from cold fronts, it photosynthesises like any other plant. Due to over-grazing, development and drought, many areas of the Karoo are eroded and denuded. It favours north-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. Other uses of Spekboom These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Spekboom is proudly South African It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. Portulacaria afra* (Spekboom): Make your very own carbon hedge with Spekboom. Flourishing in semi-arid conditions, this plant can live for up to 200 years and grow as tall as five metres. And compared to other succulents, it grows quickly and in mass and even in times of drought. Spekboom planting is already having other benefits in the area. Other mammals may graze on plants kept outdoors. Soil: Mix one-half potting soil and a mixture of sand, pumice or vermiculite. Prevents soil erosion. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. It has small round succulent leaves and red stems that can survive arid conditions. Get a 20-30cm diameter pot with drainage holes. No time to water your garden? Edible Wonders: Available data shows that the Amazon rainforest captures and stores between 23.8 and 38.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. Can you work with businesses? Without a doubt, Spekboom is a firm favourite in South African gardens. Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism, which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. Needs well-draining soil. Spekboom’s growing popularity ties in with the wider interest in nature-based solutions to climate change, seen most recently with a sweep of tree-planting pledges, including Donald Trump’s promise to help plant a trillion trees. In this article, Andre Swart, a keen bonsai enthusiast shares of his 15 years of experience growing this species as bonsai. Portulacaria afra, "Porkbush" or “Spekboom“ is a popular succulent plant found on rocky slopes in the Karoo scrub and semi-arid landscapes. Attracts birds. In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. Elephant Bush Plant Care Size and Growth. Repotting and fertilising will help your Spekbom to continue to grow and help the environment. Attractive leaves. What makes this plant so unique is that it's not only directly useful for both humans and animals, ​but also for promoting a healthier environment by preventing soil erosion and acting as an excellent carbon sponge. Because of the British climate, you'll need to grow your plant indoors, in a pot. Thriving in poor soils, it tolerates both drought and frost. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Cover with a dusting of the soil/sand mix and lightly water. The plant must be in its natural environment. It is a source of nectar or water for insects thereby also attracting insectivorous birds. These succulents need well-drained soil and an unglazed pot with drainage holes that will help excess moisture evaporate. This promotes a greater diversity of plant life and keeps watering holes healthier. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn. We suggest planting your Spekboom straight into a nice big pot (20cm wide minimum) to save moving it later. Even better, Spekboom is easy to grow. Spekboom forests can serve as grazing and browsing areas of last resort for wildlife and livestock, even when all else has withered in a drought. 1.SPEKBOOM IS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN THE SPEKBOOM IS AN ATTRACTIVE, EVERGREEN SUCCULENT SHRUB OR SMALL TREE THAT CAN REACH They are a rich source of nectar and water for many insects, such as bees. It can go outside in the warmer months but thrives in a warm environment, so keep an eye on the weather! Although mainly an inhabitant of the Little Karoo and Eastern Cape, it also grows in dry river valleys in the east and up to the Limpopo, and on the slopes of the Soutpansberg. SPEKBOOM IS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN: It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. In southern Africa, Portulacaria afra is known by the names Elephant Bush and Elephant Food and is used by people for culinary and medicinal purposes. Light: These plants thrive with indirect sunlight. Thriving in poor soils, it tolerates both drought and frost. Spekboom’s growing popularity ties in with the wider interest in nature-based solutions to climate change, seen most recently with a sweep of tree-planting pledges, including Donald Trump’s promise to help plant a trillion trees. Cuttings can be taken in the normal manner(about 10-15cm, remove bottom leaves), allow to dry out and plant in washed river sand. As your plant grows, move it into bigger pots to help it grow quicker! Spekboom, also known as Portulacaria afra or porkbush, is a plant species common to southern Africa. When conditions are favourable, it trots the same pathway as other plants (C3 photosynthesis). Thriving in poor soils, it tolerates both drought and frost. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. Planting nursery stock or even wild strains in nature that do not correspond to the wild-growing genotype could cause what is called genetic erosion. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Western Cape. Add the spekboom and cook for a further three minutes. The advantages of planting spekboom. The low-maintenance plant can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year! Choose a location with as much sunlight as possible when growing Spekboom indoors and remember not to leave it outside in the winter months, they don't like frost! SPEKBOOM IS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN: It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. The humble Spekboom is regarded as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change as it is highly efficient in trapping carbon dioxide. Lives For Up To 200 Years. Only ever lightly water, once to twice a week. Absolutely. SPEKBOOM IS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN: It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. Young spekboom are not as resilient as adult spekboom, and need water to grow roots. It is a source of nectar or water for insects thereby also attracting insectivorous birds. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. Spekboom also must be planted on slopes to avoid frost, which can kill them when they are young. Leaves can be eaten raw from the plant or in salads or added to stew. 5. 1. Pioneer. 2. Taste and add more seasoning if required. Pick leaves at any time, as needed to add to food, or to use medicinally. Spekboom is a water-wise plant that’s ideal for low … Growing Elephant Bush Houseplants. Spekbooms can grow into small trees, 2-4m high in the right conditions. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. The spekboom is an attractive evergreen succulent with its small round emerald-green leaves, borne on startling-red stems. The best mixture for this type of plant is soil mixed in half with sand, to help with drainage. Wind break. 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