The spekboom (Portulacaria Afra) is a well-known succulent that is known across the globe for many reasons. It is plant that has many uses and is definitely a must-have in all gardens! Why? Well let’s look at a few reasons why we love the spekboom.

  1. The Spekboom prufies air!

Let’s eradicate that carbon footprint by planting spekboom! This is one of the plants known for its ability to absorb Carbon Monoxide faster than many known trees. It’s like your very own air purifier that keeps on giving!

  1. Water wiser than you think

Drought resistant and hardy, the spekboom is ideal for those who are water conscious. They need little watering (About once a week) and can take various heat conditions as they thrive in full sun. They actually enjoy less water as the leaves tend to stay plump. When they are over-watered, the stems and leaves turn mushy.

  1. Proudly South African

The spekboom is indigeonous to South Africa and I can easily say that it’s one of our pride and joys with all the benefits this perennial has. This miracle plant originally comes from the Eastern Cape and can be found in the masses.

Spekboom - Benefits of Spekboom - Bergmann's Garden Centre - Centurion
  1. It is edible

Did you know that the flavour of the leaf changes dependant of the time of day? When consuming the leaf mid-day, it will taste a bit more acidic than wat it would taste when eaten later in the evening. Not only is this plant a popular meal for many wildlife, but also delicious in salads and many other meals.

  1. It is used for medicinal value

Many traditional and cultural homes believe that the spekboom have many healing properties. Many believe that it assists in curing dehydration, exhaustion, pain relief, increases milk supply to mothers nursing and can be used to help cure open wounds.

  1. A plant that lives for hundreds of years

One of the plants that might just outlive you. The spekboom is known to live past generations as they can grow to over 200 years old.

With so many reasons as to why we enjoy the spekboom and why it benefits us so much, it genuinely is a plant that I can definitely recommend in your garden. Not only is it a plant that keeps on thriving, but it is also a plant that keeps on giving!