Meerkat /Spookhuis

Green Corner / Groen Hoekie              

 

Portulacaria afra

Spekboom, Porkbush, Elephant’s Foot, iGqwanitsha

 

On this stage the Spekboom is probably the most famous plant worldwide. The Spekboom is the plant that uses the most carbon dioxide on the whole planet. Its the best plant ever to help the fight against global warming.

In Baviaans Kloof a world heritage site, scientist and farmers are involved in re-establishing the Spekboom back in its natural habitat.

Global warming is a thread to every living bean on this planet, do your bid for the planet plant a Spekboom today.

 

Description and Uses

Most attractive in full bloom when it is coved in a mass of soft pink blooms It flowers in  summer time and is followed by pink fruits. . In nature this evergreen shrub grows 4 m high and almost as wide. The Spekboom has succulent glossy red-brown trunk and bears a dense crown of succulent leaves and stems. The nectar-rich flowers lure many insects (this is an excellent bee tree, which in turn attracts insectivorous birds.  In times of drought it provides excellent fodder for stock and game.

Larvae of the Diadem butterfly feed on Portulacaria species; the Zulus eat the leaves raw in famine times. In Mozambique breastfeeding mothers eat the leaves to increase their milk supply.

Cultivation

Propagate it from cuttings, which must be kept fairly dry to prevent rot. Plant them in coarse river sand and add compost. Plant them in full sun, they make excellent hedges, for this, plant them close to each other. They grow fairly fast. The Spekboom can also be planted in a container on a sunny patio just remember to water the container. It makes a beautiful bonsai. Although in Afrikaans it’s called a Spekboom it is actually a shrub.

I know the Spekboom do well in Mikpunt although we got clay soil. I got some cuttings from Avril a while ago and even with all the water they are still ok. Mark has some amazing big and beautiful ones that must have been planted years ago. So now you know who to make friends with to get some cuttings.

SWAANSWIJK 

Chestnut Str.                                                     Maryke 082 932 1379

Klipheuwel                                             swaanswijk@gmail.com

 

CATERING; PLATTERS; PARTY HIRE; SETTING UP OF TABLES, CHAIRS ETC.

BIRTHDAYS, END OF YEAR FUNCTIONS, CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

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UIT DIE SPOOKHUIS……..

Well, what a month…strange weather an all or not, I suppose it is winter…but winter doesn’t stop all the action that goes on here, what we can’t do outdoors we certainly do indoors, at least most of us, except when it comes to my husband, Mike and his trusty sidekick Leopoldt, they still tend to do things outdoors…..Aahh you guessed it a river expedition again, this time I myself give the title IDIOT of the month to Mike as, yep he got stuck, and with great glee Leopoldt had the last laugh, ha ha, he got his own back on Mike…Well done now can we leave it there, its getting expensive.  Not all was lost however Klipheuwel has an angel, in the form of Mario, who was such a blessing and pulled Mike out the next morning, thank goodness the river didn’t rise, Thank you Mario so much.

It doesn’t stop there though we here in Klipheuwel have a true idol….namely PIETER KOEKEMOER well done on your great achievement of getting your music overseas and in the European market, what a GREAT ACHIEVEMENT…I take it autographs are in order…We are very proud of you and so is South Africa and we are sure you will be a great ambassador for us…CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! For more information, check last months Tygerburger.

Now indoor news…Pieter went away for a weekend of hunting and done very well, bringing back some really good Rooibok and Kudu, so some good biltong is currently been made,  but my highlight was watching Mario expertly carving these wonderful creatures up with the help of Pieter, what a lot I’ve learnt.  Thank you guys it was quite a learning experience for myself and Mike, it was a privilege for us been part of that…

Well no further am I gonna bore you guys, just keep your eyes open for next  months issue….over and out…….

NEWS FLASH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly a great HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Pieter and Maryke on their engagement this month, you two certainly make a wonderful couple, it could not have happened to anyone better, and on behalf of Klipheuwel, best wishes for the two of you, and eh for a great party to the upcoming wedding……check this space!!!!!!!

 

Thank you so much to the Blanckenberg family for scraping the road at their own cost.  It is much appreciated.

 

Over and out..DIE SPOOKHUIS..Ha ha….