Spekboom Benefits & How to Grow It (South Africa)

If you have spent any time in a South African garden centre or scrolled through local plant pages, you have likely heard of spekboom. This tough, handsome succulent is having a well-deserved moment in the sun. But what exactly is it, why is everyone talking about it, and how do you grow it successfully at home? Let’s dig in.

You might also like — Knysna Paradise

What is Spekboom? (And What is it Called in English?)

Spekboom is the beloved Afrikaans common name for Portulacaria afra. If you are searching for “spekboom in english,” you will most often find it called the porkbush or elephant bush. The latter name is a nod to its status as a favourite snack for elephants and other wildlife in its native range.

This plant is indigenous to South Africa, with its heartland in the Eastern Cape thickets. It is a resilient, evergreen succulent that can grow as a low, sprawling shrub or be trained into a small tree, making it incredibly versatile in the landscape.

The Carbon Story: Hype vs. Reality

Spekboom has been widely celebrated as a climate change hero. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) describes it as an excellent carbon “sponge” that absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, which has fuelled massive planting drives across the country.

However, a more nuanced view is provided by the Botanical Society of South Africa. They caution that while spekboom is a remarkable plant, the popular hype has overstated its powers; it is not a silver bullet for the climate crisis. The benefits are highly dependent on restoring it in the right habitat—specifically, the degraded thickets where it naturally belongs. Simply planting it anywhere, or expecting it to offset industrial emissions, is unrealistic. The real value lies in ecological restoration projects that mimic natural ecosystems.

Practical Benefits for Your Garden

Beyond the climate headlines, spekboom is a superstar in the garden for very tangible reasons:

• Waterwise and Drought Tolerant: As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and stems. Once established, it thrives on natural rainfall and requires very little supplemental watering, making it ideal for water-scarce regions.
• Fire Resistance: In the right setting, its fleshy, moisture-rich leaves make it a useful green firebreak, slowing the spread of flames.
• Edible Leaves: The leaves have a pleasant, sour tang. They are a lovely addition to salads, or you can use them to make a zesty chutney.
• Wildlife Friendly: It is a superb pollinator plant, and its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. It also provides excellent fodder for domestic livestock like goats.
• Bonsai and Hedging: Because it takes well to pruning and has an attractive, gnarled trunk as it matures, it is a favourite for bonsai enthusiasts. It also makes a dense, neat hedge or border plant.

How to Grow Spekboom

Spekboom is famously forgiving, which is part of its charm. Here is how to give it the best start:

• Sun and Position: It prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. In very hot inland areas, a bit of afternoon shade can prevent leaf burn.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is non-negotiable. If your soil is heavy clay, plant it in a raised bed or mix in plenty of grit or compost to improve drainage. It will sulk if its roots sit in water.
• Watering: This is a drought-tolerant plant. Water it sparingly, especially in winter. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill it.
• Frost Sensitivity: This is a subtropical plant, so it is frost-sensitive. If you live in a cold inland region with harsh winters, protect it from frost or grow it in a pot that you can move to a sheltered patio or greenhouse.
• Propagation: It is incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem, let the cut end dry out for a day or two, and then stick it directly into the ground or a pot. Water it sparingly, and it will root readily. It is that simple.

Whether you are planting a hedge, starting a bonsai project, or simply adding a resilient green presence to your garden, spekboom is a rewarding choice. For more waterwise planting ideas and seasonal tips, feel free to browse our other articles here at Aloe Roots.