Hidden gems are often found in plain sight, and the porkbush plant, widely known as spekboom or elephant bush, is no exception. Tucked away in fields and gardens across Mzansi, it may not make a grand first impression, but this little green powerhouse is packed with health benefits that might surprise you.
Whether you’re munching on it raw or using it in a recipe, spekboom is a green gem.
“I’ve been using the porkbush plant since varsity in 2017 after getting exposed to it during a project,” shares Sazi Mbaniwa from KwaZulu-Natal.
Over the years, Mbaniwa says he has discovered various benefits from using the porkbush plant.
“I found that it’s a hunger suppressant, so it really helped when I was trying to lose weight. It’s also good for bones due to its high magnesium levels.”
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Good for the environment
“I also use it on my salads, replacing cucumbers for it, but when consumed in larger quantities, it can cause congestion in your stomach, but it’s only for a short while, then all is well afterwards.”
In addition to its culinary uses, Mbaniwa says it also offers environmental benefits. “It tastes good and is an amazing carbon sink. So, it makes a good air purifier. You can have it as a potplant in your house.”
Plant pathologist Tebogo Molemela from Pretoria explains that the porkbush plant not only plays a vital role in environmental conservation but also offers a range of traditional and medicinal benefits.
Great for your health
- It’s a soil binder that prevents soil erosion and increases breast milk production by lactating mothers.
- Leaves are used to quench thirst.
- Sucking a leaf is used to treat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke.
- Crushed leaves can be rubbed on blisters and corns on the feet to provide relief.
- Leaves can also be chewed as a treatment for sore throat and mouth infections.
- Astringent juice is used for soothing ailments of the skin such as pimples, rashes, and insect stings.
- Juice can be used for antiseptics and treatments for sunburn.
“Beyond its health benefits, it contributes to climate change mitigation as it absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, there is more rainfall where these plants dominate,” says Molemela.
According to him, the porkbush plant does not have any serious effects, as it was also randomly consumed by children growing up with no harm, but moderate usage is essential.
Horticulturist Thabo Movundlela says, “Portulacaria afra, commonly known as the elephant bush or porkbush plant, is a succulent plant with a reddish stem that makes it stand out in the outdoor landscaping”
“What makes this plant special is its ability to absorb carbon monoxide emitted by cars. It can also be used as a border plant along the pathways.”
Movundlela also notes that the leaves of the porkbush plant can be chewed to treat sore gums, sore throats, and mouth infections.
Additionally, the plant’s juice is often used to soothe skin ailments, including rashes, pimples, and sunburn.
Easy to cultivate
Speaking of its growing conditions, Movundlela explains that it thrives in direct, bright sunlight and performs best during the spring and summer.
“Pork bush grows well in direct, bright sunlight and thrives from spring to summer. Due to its ability to absorb a lot of water, bottom watering is highly recommended by placing it inside the water for about half an hour.
“In winter, reduce watering the plant so as to prevent the stems from being weak. Only water the plant when the soil is dry.”
Movundlela warns of the challenge of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. “Signs of overwatering include soft, mushy stems or leaves and a general appearance of wilting or discolouration.
“Additionally, the seeds of the porkbush plant take time to germinate in their natural habitat, which makes it difficult to grow the plant from the seeds, which is why vegetative propagation is the best way of producing these plants.”
Beyond its outdoor applications, he notes that it can also be grown indoors as a bonsai, and it doesn’t take much time to shape it.
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