The leaves have a tart, sour, lemony/acidic, citrus-like flavour that is juicy and crunchy/crisp when fresh. Flavour intensity varies:
- Stronger (more acidic/malic acid) in the morning due to CAM photosynthesis.
- Milder later in the day.
Nutritional profile (fresh leaves, approximate values from studies):
- High moisture (~93%).
- Good source of ascorbic acid/vitamin C (~35 mg/100 g).
- Low in protein (~0.6–0.75 g/100 g), energy (~61 kJ/100 g), fat (~0.12 g/100 g), and fibre.
- Low pH (acidic, ≤3.5), comparable in acidity profile to some citrus.
Traditional and modern uses:
- Eaten raw as a thirst-quencher, snack, or in times of scarcity (historically by Zulu, Xhosa, and others).
- Added to salads for brightness and crunch (pairs well with tomatoes, chickpeas, avocado, halloumi, cucumber, etc.).
- Cooked in soups, stews (e.g., a sprig steamed with tomato bredie for flavour), stir-fries, or as a garnish.
- Processed into pickles, chutneys, preserves, spices, smoothies, or even baked goods.
- Consumer studies found raw, blanched, oven-baked, and steamed leaves generally acceptable; stir-frying was less preferred. Some people like the fresh green crispiness; others prefer the intensified sour/bitter/juicy notes after gentle cooking.
It is non-toxic and safe for human consumption (distinct from the unrelated, mildly toxic jade plant Crassula ovata). Honey from its pink flowers is also highly regarded.
Medical / traditional medicinal details
Spekboom has extensive ethnomedicinal use among southern African communities (especially for skin, oral, and hydration-related issues). Scientific studies (mostly in vitro) support some of these via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, analgesic, and other activities linked to flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids (e.g., lupeol), and other compounds. In vivo and clinical evidence remains limited.
Common traditional applications:
- Skin: Crushed leaves or juice applied to pimples, rashes, insect stings/bites, sunburn, blisters, corns, sores, wounds, and minor irritations (astringent/antiseptic/soothing effect).
- Oral/throat: Leaves chewed for sore throat, mouth infections/ulcers, or thrush.
- Hydration & heat: Sucked or eaten to quench thirst, treat dehydration, heat stroke, or exhaustion (high water content).
- Lactation: Leaves or decoction traditionally used by some mothers (including in Mozambique) to increase breast milk.
- Other reported uses: Diarrhoea, fever, hypertension, diabetes support, kidney/urinary issues, respiratory infections, pain/inflammation, and as a general tonic. Leaf decoctions or preparations have been noted for various internal uses.
Pharmacological reviews note potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic (glucose utilisation), analgesic, and cytotoxic effects, but emphasise the need for more rigorous in vivo, safety, and clinical research before modern therapeutic recommendations.
Notes: Always positively identify the plant (it is widely cultivated as an ornamental/bonsai). While traditional use is extensive and the plant is considered safe at food levels, consult a healthcare professional for medicinal use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition. It is also valued ecologically as a carbon-sequestering “super plant,” soil binder, and livestock/wildlife forage.
