The plant shown here is the Speck Tree (Portulacaria afra). Spekboom prefers to thrive in the warm sub- or tropical climate (20°C to 40°C) in South Africa, but it can also survive in cooler temperatures, as long as it is not exposed to freezing temperatures. Among the local population, it is better known as elephant forest or elephant bush.
He didn't steal his nicknames and we'd like to clear that up for you.
Bacon tree is easily found on slopes and between rock formations and is also a delicacy for elephants and other savannah animals including Busbuck, Nyala , Common Diver and Oribi. The youngest leaves are also used in salads in local restaurants and give them a fresh lemon flavour. In addition, the Spekboom is not a tree, but a succulent or succulent plant. It is easily recognized by itssmall, round, green leaves and crimson stems, and can grow 2.5 to 5 meters tall.
Why is he so important?
The bacon tree is a succulent that does not necessarily need sunlight to photosynthesize. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, under the influence of energy from light, convert carbon dioxide (CO²) into oxygen and glucose (sugar). This glucose or sugar is then converted into starch or cellulose by the plant and stored in its leaves and roots. The starch acts as reserve fuel to help the plant grow and live.
Because bacon tree does not necessarily need sunlight to convert, among other things, carbon dioxide (CO²) into oxygen, this makes it the perfect plant to purify the air 24 hours a day.
Care
As a private individual you do not need to travel to South Africa to enjoy this succulent, it is available from most local plant dealers. The succulent does not require much maintenance and does not lose its fleshy leaves.
- Water care - water once a week
- Light care - Place the plant in a 'semi-sunny place
- Extra nutrition - Feed the cactus once a month (from May to August).
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