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ESTATE NEWS

THERE’S NO DOUBT so thick that it was said a grown human
ABOUT IT, SPEKBOOM could walk across the top as if walking on a
carpet. Spekboom propagates very easily,
(PORTULACARIA AFRA) IS and a broken-off branch can quickly grow
A VERY SPECIAL PLANT. roots and create a whole new plant.

3. SPEKBOOM ARE EQUIPPED WITH
1. SPEKBOOM IS ONE OF THE BEST CARBON A UNIQUE MECHANISM FOR
SEQUESTRATORS IN THE WORLD ADAPTING TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS
Hectare for hectare, Spekboom thicket is In the wet, cool months, Spekboom
ten times more effective than the Amazon photosynthesises like other plants,
rainforest at removing carbon dioxide from opening its stomata during the day to
the atmosphere. One hectare of Spekboom absorb carbon dioxide. During drier times,
can sequester between 4 and 10 tonnes of the plant has the ability to open its stomata
carbon per year. This makes it a powerful at night in order to prevent water loss
tool in the fight against climate change and during the heat of the day.
the move towards a zero-carbon world.
4. SPEKBOOM IS EDIBLE, WITH A
2. SPEKBOOM CAN LIVE UP TO 200 YEARS VERY HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUE of moisture, making them the perfect ‘pick-
And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as It is a favoured food of black rhinos, me-up’ during a long day’s hiking in the
5 metres. Prior to the advent of large- elephants and kudus. The good news is that arid Karoo. Popular Cape Town restaurants
scale livestock farming, some areas of we can eat it too. With a slightly lemony like the Pot Luck Club use this succulent as
the Eastern Cape had Spekboom forests taste, Spekboom leaves are juicy and full accents to their beautifully crafted dishes.
BV

THE SPEKBOOM

CHALLENGE

Join thousands of South Africans in the Spekboom Challenge! Let’s
make Blue Valley stand out from the crowds!

Join the Spekboom Challenge, share your newly planted spekboom
on social media with the tag #Spekboomchallenge to join in on the
sustainable movement that could make our world a better place for
all!

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 1 2020 • 15