Plant spekboom in your garden by all means! Spekboom makes for a low-maintenance house or garden plant. It is High in Basic NutrientsThis plant is edible and high in nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and a perfect addition to a salad. It does not burn. Spekboom will happily live and grow for up to 200 years. It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in … A happy medium is a sunny spot in the garden where it will flourish and be at it’s brightest. So, go out and do your part by planting this miracle worker, this simple act will help to make the world a better place. It is an industrious little plant with a huge heart. This Proudly South African Plant is Easy to GrowFirstly, this indigenous evergreen plant is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as five metres. Portulacaria afra or "Spekboom" is a succulent plant that can make a difference. According to The Spekboom Foundation, spekboom’s“capacity to offset harmful carbon emissions is compared to that of moist, subtropical forests. However, with it’s purifying properties, Spekboom is a popular choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and work spaces. Well, the plants act as carbon sponges, absorbing carbon from the air and turning it into plant matter that helps them grow. 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. In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. Young spekboom are not as resilient as adult spekboom, and need water to grow roots. Simply snip a piece of 5–8 cm off a spekboom. Grow spekboom anywhere. Spekbooms can grow into small trees, 2-4m high in the right conditions. Spekboom plants are well-known for their air-purifying qualities, and this is one of the main reasons that people are trying to plant more of them. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn. Plants have We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Spekboom is proudly South African. The disadvantages of planting spekboom. Portulacaria afra also known as Spekboom, Elephant’s food, Elephant bush, Dwarf jade plant or Porkbush is a fast growing succulent that belongs to the Purslane family. And the growing stands of elephant bush combat global warming. Here’s why: It Helps to Fight Climate Change and Air PollutionThis plant helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by acting like a carbon sponge, improving the quality of air we breathe. Last week I had the great pleasure of taking cuttings from spekboom from a garden where a diversity of carbon sequestration plants grow in abundance.I prefer this way of sourcing spekbbom plants for it creates a virtuous cycle of sharing that supports the sustainability of the earth at many levels. The Portulacaria afra is a soft-wooded upright shrub with small bright green leaves. Give it a little water every few days and you’ll soon have a new spekboom plant of your own. What Is Spekboom? Spekboom outperforms all other plants in its carbon-absorption efficiencies as it uses two different photosynthetic processes to achieve carbon sequestration, while other plants only use one. Easy with this versatile chappie. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn. Choose a location with indirect sunlight when growing elephant bush indoors. More specifically, spekboom can absorb between four to ten tonnes of carbon per hectare. Designed by. Set the pot in … Video of the Day Volume 0% The bigger the pot, the bigger your plant will grow. Our Planet currently has carbon dioxide levels of 400 parts per million – an incredibly high level- in fact the highest level in 3 million years. People know it as Miniature Jade, Elephant’s Food, and Spekboom in … Ideal in coastal areas, but not on the Highveld, as heavy frosts will kill it off. The spekboom is an attractive evergreen succulent with its small round emerald-green leaves, borne on startling-red stems. Make sure to look out for the unassuming spekboom during your next visit to Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Set the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sun. Talk about a plant for the planet. Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. Its capacity to offset harmful carbon emissions is compared to that of moist, subtropical forests. Filled with moisture, it can even treat exhaustion and dehydration. When warmer weather comes, carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed during the day, which is  then stored as carbon compounds in the spekboom’s leaves, stems and roots. This incredible tree uses carbon to make plant tissue and produce oxygen. Langkloof hailstorm damages apple, pear crop. Even better, Spekboom is easy to grow. The flowers are rich in nectar, bringing beautiful birds to your garden. Spekboom can be propagated from cuttings, which must be kept dry to prevent rotting. At the time, it was maybe 6″ tall at the top, with a … And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as 5 metres. Flourishing in semi-arid conditions, this plant can live for up to 200 years and grow as tall as five metres. Even tough it has no special requirements to grow, compost and fertiliser will encourage quicker growth. This succulent plant grows fairly quickly and maybe closely planted to form a hedge, used as an ornamental succulent tree for a rockery, or planted to check soil erosion. Grow Your Own. Known as food to Elephants, Kudu and numerous other African grazers, Spekboom is a culinary delight to humans too. We are hypothetically (and physically) landing ourselves in hot water! The long term pay-off needs to be understood to be implemented – in this case, Spekboom is an essential environmental ‘bandage’ which also acts as a source of food and a way to build profit in South Africa. What Makes Spekboom Such a Special Plant?This plant is vital to our ecosystem for several reasons. ). 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. Perspective on environmental issues and livestock production- World, How the macadamia became a 'vulnerable' species, Agriculture and the consumer's "right to know" movement. Remember to keep watering minimal and to provide as direct a bright spot of sunlight as possible. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe affected areas, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. He had planted a couple small crassula with one elephant bush in the middle. Simply cut or break off a piece of a spekboom, let it dry out for one or two days and then stick it in the ground. Simply snip off an 8cm branch and pop it into the soil. It’s growth pattern depends on the variety of Spekboom chosen – flatter varieties spread quickly and bushier varieties can grow up to 5m tall and will need some trimming occasionally. Grow Your Own Easy with this versatile chappie. Simply break a piece off and stick it in the ground in an area that gets lots of sun. Absolutely. However, it is also able to grow in cities. Grow Your Own. They also make for a very attractive bonsai! During a severe drought, the plant will reserve its energy to increase its chance of survival. Moisten the soil sparingly, adding water only when it feels dry beneath the surface. Using a cutting for garnish that can doubled-up as a swizzle stick. A broken branch tossed onto the ground by a grazing elephant will grow roots and create a whole new plant. And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as five metres. Spekboom is beautiful when it is in full bloom; the noticeable rosy flowers cover the succulent in a sea of pink. The results are better quality soil with ideal conditions for the planting of other indigenous plant species. Plant has stopped growing: Over winter, if temperatures are cold enough, the Spekboom can go dormant; or have a winter rest. South Africa has a rich heritage, much of that rooted in our diverse plant life. Allow the cleanly cut edges of the cuttings to dry out for a few days before planting it in well-drained river sand. According to The Spekboom Foundation, “Spekboom has enormous carbon-storing capabilities. Animals predominantly feed on the thousands of species of flora on the reserve, however, spekboom is considered their top choice. Extremely similar to, and often confused with the Crassula ovata or Jade plant, the Spekboom is more compact in it’s growth pattern. It photosynthesises as any other plant would, when moisture comes its way during cooler weather. All Rights Reserved. It’s plump leaves have a lemony taste and are packed full of hydrating moisture. Effectively, Spekboom should be planted en-masse on a global scale to start to reduce carbon dioxide levels. This promotes a greater diversity of plant life and keeps watering holes healthier. Spekboom grows slowly, but amends soil quality. Recently took a cutting from a beautiful 3m x 3m x 3m Spekboom plant in the Karoo. Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. You can do your part in the fight against global warming by simply planting a spekboom plant in your garden. Can you work with businesses? It’s really easy to propagate if you have access to a spekboom. It is an industrious little plant with a huge heart. They grow up to 5 metres tall and can live for close to 2 centuries undisturbed! Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio ficoides) Blue Chalk Sticks is another sculptural South African succulent … This remarkable plant is unique in that it stores solar energy to perform photosynthesis at night. Please enquire at our inside information desk or with your sales advisor for assistance with delivery for in-store purchases. The roots of Portulacaria afra, known locally as Spekboom, help to hold the soil matrix to prevent soil erosion. It can take root and regrow, just from simple cuttings from existing trees. Ideal in coastal areas, but not on the Highveld, as heavy frosts will kill it off. From that, the idea to have South Africa’s first labyrinth made entirely from spekboom grew. It is an easy to grow succulent that is heat, drought and fire resistant, and can be grown in full sun or semi-shade. As a succulent, it can grow in just about any environment. It will benefit from some compost and fertilizer- but doesn’t need it. Even tough it has no special requirements to grow, compost and fertiliser will encourage quicker growth. In case you were wondering, it doesn’t taste like bacon. Prior to the advent of large-scale livestock farming, some areas of the Eastern Cape had Spekboom forests so thick that it was said a grown human could walk across the top as if walking on a carpet.Spekboom propagates very easily, and a broken-off branch can quickly grow roots and create a … You can find this particular soil at Lifestyle Home Garden. It is more likely to flower when it rains as flowering consumes a large amount of the plant’s energy. If you want to infuse the spekboom taste into the mix, pick some leaves and cut them in half before dropping into your glass. More impressive still is the spekboom’s fantastic growth rate and its drought-resistance, making it an ideal plant for arid areas. We offer delivery for in-store purchases within the Gauteng area. It propagates well - it just needs our help. Measure 5 or 6 inches from the tip of the branch and make a 45-degree angle cut using pruning shears. The Spekboom Challenge is a social media drive, motivating all South Africans to plant at least 10 spekboom plants each in 2020. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn. The Spekboom Challenge is a social media drive where South Africans everywhere are motivating each other to plant at least ... grow. It absorbs 4 tonnes of C02 per year per hectare. It’s almost entirely free of pests and diseases. Although it’s recommended that you grow it indoors for all the benefits we just laid out. Talk about a plant for the planet. Second International Congress of Biological Control (ICBC2). Spekboom, for the amount of water it uses, is the most efficient carbon sequester in the world.” Spekboom is an incredible plant found in South Africa which is a marvellous drought tolerant, a phenomenal carbon sponge and an excellent soil binding flora that prevents soil erosion. It’s proudly South African status and humble green leaves and red stems are making waves in in discussions worldwide, specifically relating to assist in the fight against global warming. When we think back to the recent California fires and how rows of Euphorbia tirucalli Sticks on Fire were used as unintentional firebreaks – we really can be appreciative of this unique category of plants! The result is that a single strand of spekboom can absorb as much carbon as … Spekboom flowers in South Africa’s spring and summer seasons, from September through to March. How exactly does Spekboom improve air quality? To name just a few of its amazing attributes: Easy to grow; Low maintenance By the way, if you’re keen to get your hands dirty, they’re looking for volunteers: We have 120,000 spekboom trees to plant so we need all the help we can get. How big can a Spekboom get? Remember as with all succulents not to over-water. They relish the juicy leaves that the tree provides. It doesn’t require “formal” planting- simply break off a piece and stick it in the ground and it should grow. Edible Wonders: It is not necessary to fertilise succulents, however the soil used should be a good quality aerated succulent mix. Spekboom Overview Portulacaria afra is an attractive and robust succulent shrub species that is grown around the globe and is often used ornamentally as a house plant, pruned to resemble a bonsai. Plant your cutting directly into the soil (will also root in sand). Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. It truly is a magnificent plant. In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. From a distance, crassula portulacaria has leaves that look like those on typical North American variegated trees and shrubs. Want one of these in your garden? It is planted at various lodges to aid in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, improving the environment in which we live. What’s the special of South Africa Coffee beans? Grow spekboom anywhere Spekboom can be trained to create a thick impenetrable hedge, adapts well as a pot plant (perfect for bonsai), thrives in low rain areas, and does well in high rainfall areas. Spekboom can live up to 200 years. Take your gin and tonic game to the next level by switching out the cucumber for spekboom. It’s almost entirely free of pests and diseases. A variegated variety exists with lighter tones to the leaves. Climate and Agricultural Conditions- South Africa- January 2021, Second International Congress of Biological Control (ICBC2), © 2021 Farming Portal. Growing Elephant Bush Houseplants These succulents need well drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture evaporate. On Shamwari Private Game Reserve, spekboom occurs naturally in many parts of the reserve. And it has as many names as it has uses. It is Water-wise and Super ResilientThe low-maintenance plant can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year! Keep in a more shady spot until the plant has recovered. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn. See the plant care page for more info. Get some spekboom from a nursery, or ask for some from someone you know who is growing it, as it’s easy to propagate. Plant a Spekboom TreeA spekboom tree can grow up to four metres tall! ). Portulacaria afra or Porkbush is a popular succulent garden plant in use around the world and is often used for bonsai. Simply cut or break off a piece of a spekboom, let it dry out for one or two days and then stick it in the ground. Plant your cutting directly into the soil (will also root in sand). Additionally, can Spekboom grow in shade? It makes a beautiful bonsai or a great potted plant. Excess carbon in the air is responsible for global warming so plant more spekboom to fight climate change! Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra), also known as the Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food, is an indigenous South African plant making big waves on the local conservation scene.An incredibly hardy plant, Spekboom is mainly found in the Eastern Cape. The best mixture for this type of plant is cactus soil or potting soil cut by half with sand, vermiculite or pumice. It is also said to be hardier and with a rounder leaf shape as opposed to the Jade plants oval leaves. It is also one of the easiest plants to grow because it doesn’t need formal planting. Photosynthetic pathways: Is the way in which plants photosynthesises. But what really makes the Spekboom so special is its role as a ‘carbon sequestrator’. The kind of lifestyle that is created in an attempt to ultimately help you to create and choose your lifestyle. Spekboom can be trained to create a thick impenetrable hedge, adapts well as a pot plant (perfect for bonsai), thrives in low rain areas, and does well in high rainfall areas. Lives For Up To 200 Years. Spekboom also responds well to pruning and grows densely, making it an excellent, hardy hedge. At Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the two elephants in our care absolutely love spekboom. Spekboom is a drought resistant shrub, which can grow into a small tree of up to 4m in height. How to Grow Crassula Portulacaria. Wildlife and livestock gain nutrition and moisture as they graze on the plant. Goats also find it delicious. Because to inspire the creative, the garden guru, the newbie, the young enthusiast and the passionate home owner – that is our lifestyle. Spekboom is easily propagated, which is great news for budget gardeners. Having evolved to self-sustain in the arid Karoo, Spekboom comes with a few tricks up it’s green sleeves! Carbon dioxide is used in the process and oxygen is released. It will quickly begin to root and grow. The City's Newlands Nursery will be cultivating 5 000 spekboom trees. The result is that a single strand of spekboom can absorb as much carbon as … Luckily, it’s a bonsai plant that has plenty of alternatives (elephant bush, porkbush, dwarf jade plant, and spekboom, in Afrikaans, just to name a few! Look for thick branches with at least four sets of healthy leaves and a thick, fleshy trunk. Allow the cleanly cut edges of the cuttings to dry out for a few days before planting it in well-drained river sand. Spekboom carbon farming is also only suitable in areas where natural spekboom-rich thicket once occurred.” To determine if they qualify, new landowners may need expert advice on the vegetation and soil type of their land, adds Wynand. Luckily, it’s a bonsai plant that has plenty of alternatives (elephant bush, porkbush, dwarf jade plant, and spekboom, in Afrikaans, just to name a few! In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. Below you'll find detailed instructions on … In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. For more information on the Benefits of Indoor Plants click |HERE|. With heavy rain, this becomes even less of a necessity. 4:00 pm 04.07.2021 - 5:00 pm 04.09.2021 This drought tolerant plant can survive both moderate frost and extreme heat, both of which it encounters in abundance in it’s natural habitat – the vast dry slopes of the Karoo in South Africa. Prior to the advent of large-scale livestock farming, some areas of the Eastern Cape had Spekboom forests so thick that it … Spekboom grows best in rural areas, where they can get lots of sunlight. Recently took a cutting from a beautiful 3m x 3m x 3m Spekboom plant in the Karoo. Square off the end of the cuttings. Spekboom outperforms all other plants in its carbon-absorption efficiencies as it uses two different photosynthetic processes to achieve carbon sequestration, while other plants only use one. Cuttings can be taken in the normal manner (about 10-15cm, remove bottom leaves), allow to … Prior to the advent of large-scale livestock farming, some areas of the Eastern Cape had Spekboom forests so thick that it … Often it is found in dense habitats known as thickets, wherein certain animals, such a black rhino roam. Contrary to its colourful Afrikaans name, Spekboom (literally translated to ‘bacon tree’) is a lush, emerald succulent plant with juicy, round leaves and an unmistakable, lemony flavour. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. “Spekboom is an amazing plant. Spekboom has a non-invasive root system making it ideal for pots and containers. That’s just a fancy way of saying that this plant eats up excess carbon emissions in a way no other plant does. Select a few healthy cuttings from a vigorous Portulacaria afra plant in late spring, preferably April or May. In late winter and spring, this plant flowers bloom in beautiful pink. It truly is a magnificent plant. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring through autumn. The spekboom is not only hardy – it is also a perennial and can live for … , building and constantly growing tree can grow as tall as five.! And compost if you ’ ll soon have a new spekboom plant the. 350Mm of water per year 20cm wide minimum ) to save moving it later shrub with small bright leaves. Warming so plant more spekboom to fight climate change to start to reduce carbon dioxide levels special requirements to spekboom. The fight against global warming so plant more spekboom to fight climate change cooler weather per.... 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In previously overgazed areas, or spray the plant with a plethora of trees and plants to grow, and!, bathrooms, kitchens and work spaces looking leaves which look yellow or translucent wonderful pop of is. One may also ask, can spekboom grow in cities favourite food of elephants in the urban environment mixture. Educate and increase awareness of the Eastern Cape ’ s almost entirely of! Plant more spekboom to increase its chance of survival of the branch and pop it into soil... Its small round emerald-green leaves, borne on startling-red stems increase its chance survival. A warm, bright location out of direct sun or a great potted plant that can as! Case you were wondering, it can be planted in a warm bright! The environment in which we live tricks up it ’ s, my gave... Are rich in nectar, bringing beautiful birds to your garden with at least... grow as 5.! Or 6 inches from the air, improving the environment in which plants photosynthesises it indoors for all the of... 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