The "Spekboom" is an evergreen, succulent tree up to 5m tall with soft, fleshy stems and a dense crown.
The bark on young branches is a smooth, glossy purple, but smooth, reddish-brown to grey on older branches and trunk.
The leaves are simple, opposite, thick and succulent.
Flowers appear from June to November in dense sprays on short side-branches. They are star-shaped and pink.
The fruit (August to February) is a 3-winged, papery capsule.
The habitat is hot, dry, rocky hillsides and river valleys in succulent scrub and woodland.
The Spekboom makes a very successful container plant and can be pruned into a neat shape.
The Spekboom as a Bonsai:-
It will take on the shape of an adult plant after only two years and can be trained in various bonsai styles.
Cultivation - grows easily from cuttings planted during spring. These cuttings should be planted into plain river sand for % of their length. Another method is layering - bend a branch onto the ground where it will readily take root.
The Spekboom is extremely hardy, drought resistant and will survive light frost.
Growing mix - likes a light, friable growing medium. Will flourish in the club soil mixed with equal quantities of river sand.
Watering - moderate in summer but keep relatively (not completely) dry in winter. The cooler the site, the less water is needed.
Feeding - from spring to autumn using a liquid fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.
Repotting - possible at any time but best in spring. Do not completely bare-root the tree, rather trim around the edges of the rootball.
Pruning - will respond well to frequent pruning. Grows naturally like a tree and is improved by thinning out the lower regions.
Position - can take full sun in summer and only needs winter protection in case of a really severe frost. Will do reasonably well indoors.
Taken from Treeview, Vol. 26, No.3, July 2004, p7 Photo's removed for editing purposes
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