Common Name:

General Information

Hoodia alstonii is a succulent, cactus-like shrub that can grow up to 1 metre tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and means of staving off hunger. Many species in this genus have potential for use in helping overweight people reduce their weight, acting by reducing the sensation of hunger.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Namibia, S. Africa.

Habitat

Usually found on rocky outcrops, often in very inhospitable desert areas.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The flowers have a foetid, excrement-like odour; they produce nectar and pollination is mostly effected by flies[].

Edible Uses

Stem[].

Young pods[]. A sweet flavour[].

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[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - germinates easily.

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