Hoodia gordonii: Appetite-Suppressing Succulent

Overview

Hoodia gordonii, known as Queen of the Namib or African Hats, is a leafless, spiny, columnar succulent from the Namib Desert. Erect, gray-green stems (4–6 inches tall) are covered in rows of stout, pale spines. In late summer, unusual, saucer-shaped, flesh-colored flowers with a strong carrion odor appear at the base of stems, attracting fly pollinators. Famous for its traditional use by San people to suppress hunger on long hunts. Contains steroidal glycosides. Protected species; wild collection illegal. Cultivated plants require extreme drainage and heat.

Key Features

• Stems: Columnar, 4–6 in tall, gray-green; rows of stout spines.
• Flowers: Saucer-shaped, flesh-colored; carrion scent; fly-pollinated.
• Traditional Use: Appetite suppressant (San people).
• Conservation: Protected; CITES Appendix II.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun. Intense light required.

Water

Extremely low. Water only when stems soften slightly.

Soil

Pure mineral, extremely gritty, fast-draining.

Temperature

Hot. No frost.

Taxonomy

Family:	Asclepiadaceae
Genus:	Hoodia (HOOD-ee-uh)
Species:	gordonii (gor-DOH-nee-eye)