People all over South Africa are planting Spekboom trees to combat climate change. This forms part of the #SpekboomChallenge, and you can join too.
The #SpekboomChallenge started when the Boplaas Wine Estate in Calitzdorp undertook to counter climate change by planting a million Spekboom trees by 2025. From there, the whole of South Africa jumped in to help. The #SpekboomChallenge involves every citizen trying to plant ten Spekboom trees by 2020.
The Spekboom is said to be ten times more effective in removing carbon dioxide from the air than the Amazon Rainforest. One hectare of Spekboom can absorb four-to-ten tons of carbon dioxide per year, making it very effective in combating climate change.
This little plant has a host of diverse usages, from adding it to salads and using it for medicinal purposes or using it on insect bites.
The Wildlife Committee’s plea with residents of the Marina is to take up the #SpekboomChallenge as a project. Spread the word! Many residents in the Jeffreys bay area have already planted Spekboom and most are willing to share a twig or two.
Cultivating a Spekboom is fairly easy!
- Break or cut a twig from your original Spekboom tree.
- Let it dry out for about two days.
- Plant the dried twig and give it a little water.
A twig of Spekboom can be planted in sandy ground, in warm spots, or in a garden pot. The Spekboom can survive on just 250ml of water per year. Avoid over watering, as this encourages root rot.
Susan Lottering from Lombardini has kindly made available a 100+ cuttings to help us get started. These are available from the Office reception. Take a few, stick it in the ground and watch it grow!