CO2 Reduction

          

Spekboom has enormous carbon-storing capabilities. Its capacity to offset harmful carbon emissions is equivalent to that of moist, subtropical forest.

It is an indigenous plant known as “elephant’s food”, shows potential to absorb the excess CO2 responsible for climate change. Spekboom is an evergreen succulent that can reach a height of 2,5m and occurs mainly in the south-eastern Cape. Normally found in rocky, dry areas, it also does well in watered flower beds. Rates of carbon storage by replanted Spekboom were measured on a farm near Uitenhage. Each hectare of Spekboom on the farm sequestered 4,2 tons of carbon a year.

In recent years EXSA grower Johan Jordaan has started a project growing Spekboom plants from cuttings. Around 2500 plants have been created and been planted. EXSA plans to embark on a project to plant this indigenous plant on all the farms of our growers in order to reduce our CO2 emissions.