Queen of the Namib, African hats
Hoodia gordonii

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb or shrub. It grows about 80 cm high. The stems are 305 cm thick. The flowers are star shaped or bell shaped. They are 1-17 cm across. They are dull brown colour and have a bad smell like rotten meat. This attracts flies to pollinate the plant.

There are 13 Hoodia species. It is used in medicine as an appetite suppressant. It is being developed by a pharmaceutical company.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in deserts in Botswana. It grows in sands. They need high temperatures, high light and low moisture. It cannot tolerate frost. In southern Africa it grows between 250-1,200 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Chile, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America

How it is used for food

The stems are chewed to reduce the desire for food. They are eaten fresh as a food. They have a bitter taste.

Edible parts

Stems, pods, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed. They can also be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bitterghaap, Ghoba, Wilde ghaap

Synonyms

Ceropegia gordonii (Masson) Bruyns; Hoodia husabensis Nel; Hoodia langii Oberm. & Letty; Hoodia longispina Plowes; Hoodia pillansii N. E. Br.; Hoodia rosea Oberm. & Letty; Hoodia whitsloaneana Dinter ex A. C. White & B. Sloane; Hoodia barklyi Dyer; Hoodia burkei N. E. Br.; Hoodia bainii Dyer; Hoodia albispina N. E. Br.;