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 mop up 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.

This year EXSA grower Johan Jordaan starting a project of creating Spekboom plants from cuttings. 2500 plants were created and will be planted out in the coming season. EXSA will embark on a project to plant this indigenous plant on all our farms to reduce our CO2 emissions.