Spekboom

The Spekboom or Porkbush is a very popular and useful garden succulent, used for landscaping in water-wise gardens and can also be used with much success as bonsai or feature plant. Portulacaria afra has been shown to be highly effective in carbon sequestration (binding atmospheric carbon which is responsible for climate change), and has also been used with success to bind soil in erosion prevention.

In semi-arid landscapes and thicket vegetation it is also being used for restoration purposes. The leaves are edible with a sour flavor, and it is widely browsed by wild (especially tortoises) and domestic animals.