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Photo credits: Google
Figure 3.1: Portulacaria afra Jacq. (spekboom) tree. Note the skirt of the root branch
Spikeboom breeding to combat desertification
Author: Professor Willem VAN COTTHEM
Ghent University (Belgium)
One of the most interesting plant species in Africa is the genus Pteris, which is used to combat desertification, limit soil erosion, produce dense vegetation and a large amount of edible small leaves (fodder, and also a vitamin-rich food for humans). Spekboom or elephant bush (purslane）.
This plant species is rapidly covering dry, eroded soils and should be recommended for all global projects to mitigate drought, combat land degradation and curb wind erosion.
My good friend Johan VAN DE VEN from Bamboo Sur was kind enough to provide me with some rooted cuttings which are growing well in pots and PET bottles in my garden in Belgium.
To study different methods of propagation of this Spekboom (with succulent foliage), I started taking small side shoots (cuttings) and planting them in potting soil in cake boxes. I also planted some succulent leaves (See my photo below).
The humidity inside the plastic cake box is quite high (condensation will form on the lid), so I will open the lid from time to time to let in some fresh air (oxygen).
Soon, the cuttings and the separated leaves began to take root. The cuttings quickly grew some new leaves. A month later, I transplanted them into small plastic bottles with two holes 2-3 cm above the bottom of the bottle (for drainage, leaving a small amount of water at the bottom of the bottle to moisten the bottle material and the root ball).
Once fully rooted in the plastic bottle, I cut off the bottom of the bottle and let the lower part of the root ball grow freely. Then, I planted the seedling Spekboom in the plant pit without removing the plastic bottle, but rather a plastic cylinder around the root ball. This plastic cylinder continues to keep the root ball moist (almost no evaporation) and allows the seedling to be watered at any time as needed. The irrigation water flows through the plastic cylinder to the bottom of the root ball, which grows freely in the soil (irrigation water flows to the roots growing in the soil at the bottom of the plant pit). Thus, a high survival rate is guaranteed.
Apparently, it is very easy to propagate Spekboom from rooted cuttings and leaves. This is another interesting aspect of this extraordinary plant. I can only recommend a more widespread use of Spekboom for reforestation, fodder production, and even bonsai production to increase annual income (for export to developed countries).
Below are some photos of this experiment.
————- Considering that the people working on the Great Green Wall in Africa (or any other interested group on other continents) are looking for practical solutions to cover large desertified areas as quickly as possible, one would be inclined to believe that setting up nurseries to produce sufficient quantities of plants should not be a problem (since these plants require only minimal water).
I have always dreamed of the success of this edible plant in the fight against desertification. One day, the tussock tree will grow in all drought-affected areas of the world. Animals will feed on it, and malnourished children and hungry adults will find it an interesting addition to their food.
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