Common Name:

General Information

Hoodia currorii is a spiny, succulent shrub growing up to 1 metre tall, with many erect to spreading, branching stems. The cylindrical stem can be 4 - 8cm in diameter, with 11 - 24 vertical ribs consisting of prominent obtuse tubercles each one tipped with a sharp spine 6 - 10mm long[].
The plant is a commonly eaten food for travellers in the arid areas in which it grows, being used in particular because of its ability to quench thirst and hunger for extended periods. The active principle that acts to suppress the appetite has been identified and is now widely used as a diet aid. The plant is also harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. Most Hoodia species are attractive and unusual ornamentals for desert gardens. Cultivation is not easy, however, because of the need for hot and dry conditions. Cultivated plants, especially if pot-grown, usually die because of a too moist growing medium and a lack of fresh air[].
As a consequence of the general degradation of vast parts of southern Africa through overgrazing by sheep and goats, Hoodia species have practically disappeared in some areas where they were formerly abundant. All species are now protected by CITES regulations and some species are in danger of extinction[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - southern Angola, Namibia, Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, northern S. Africa.

Habitat

Arid areas from the coast to inland, in dry, short forest and in dry Acacia scrub vegetation[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The primary stem of seedlings of Hoodia currorii grows vertically up from between the cotyledons and after it has reached some size, axillary buds near the base give rise to secondary shoots. After a few years, when the plant is about 20cm tall, flowering starts near the apex of the main stem and branches. After flowering, vegetative growth continues and in subsequent years new flushes of flowers appear in the higher portion of the stem[].
Most Hoodia flowers have a foetid, excrement-like odour; they produce nectar, and pollination is mostly effected by flies[].

Edible Uses

Stems are broken or cut off, rubbed on a stone to remove the spines, cut into strips and these strips are eaten. They have a peculiar pervasively spreading sweet taste which is remarkably persistent and is said to quench thirst and hunger for extended periods. They also make a tasty preserve[]. Stems that have swelled after recent rains are preferred. Sometimes they are taken home to be soaked in water before being eaten[].
It is also said that after eating, an interesting liquorice-like aftertaste remains in the mouth which gives tobacco smoke a particularly pleasant taste[].

Young pods are much sought after for their sweetness[].

Medicinal

Hoodia plants have been eaten by African tribesmen for thousands of years as a means of staving off hunger and thirst on long hunting trips. The active principle in the plant responsible for this appetite-suppressing effect has been identified and is now used as the basis of a slimming drug[].

The plant is also used traditionally to treat indigestion, hypertension, diabetes, haemorrhoids and stomachaches[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings taken from the base of a branch[].

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