Review of the Underutilized Indigenous Portulacaria afra (Spekboom) as a Sustainable Edible Food Source

Abstract

Southern Africa faces numerous challenges, such as increasing biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Additionally, poor and vulnerable communities suffer from undernourishment and are food insecure. Therefore, Southern Africa must adopt inclusive, sustainable food systems that support food security, even under harsh climatic conditions. Wild edible plants can potentially strengthen South African communities’ diets, as they are nutritious, freely available and adapted to survive in marginal conditions. Portulacaria afra, colloquially known as spekboom, is an indigenous succulent to South Africa. This edible plant is resilient even when exposed to weather extremes and is exceptionally easy to grow. Spekboom can potentially contribute to food security since food-insecure communities can access the plant in a socially acceptable way. However, spekboom awaits culinary development to increase its consumption. This review presents the current knowledge of spekboom. As there is limited published research, the review aims to stimulate research in food science and nutrition on this undervalued plant and introduce it as a new food and ingredient.