Rotarians launch environmental project at Umbogintwini Primary
The spekboom is a South African plant, indigenous to the Eastern Cape, which gives off 10 times more oxygen than any other plant.
Amanzimtoti Rotary Club added a different twist to Mandela Day when it chose to launch its new environmental project at Umbogintwini Primary School. To kickstart Project Spekboom, 10 little trees were handed over to be planted by the children and teachers.
“The event was not about planting any tree, as the spekboom was specifically chosen for its immense value to the environment. We also plan to erect an information board for the children, parents and school personnel to appreciate this incredible plant which helps fights air pollution,” said Rotary president, Rhona Chetty.
The spekboom is a South African plant, indigenous to the Eastern Cape, which gives off 10 times more oxygen than any other plant in your garden. As a succulent that helps fight air pollution, it has the ability to capture four to 10 tons of carbon per hectare. To do this, it acts as a sponge, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and turning it into plant matter. “Excess carbon in the atmosphere is responsible for global warming, so the more carbon we can remove from the air and return it to the ground, the better.
“Spekboom is easy to grow – simply break off a stem, allow to dry for two to three days and then plant it into the ground. Its water wise and requires very low maintenance in our gardens.
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“Our vision is that every garden has a spekboom tree, thereby making a positive impact on climate change. If you are looking for a plant that can be turned into a hedge or a bonsai, or used as ground cover or a large bush, spekboom does it all. We invite businesses and the Toti community to partner with us by sponsoring spekboom trees for schools in our area, so that our children can grow in a more healthy and carbon free environment,” said Rhona.
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