Welcome to Hoodia Gordinii

Hoodia Gordinii

Hoodia (HOOD-ee-uh) gordonii - A genus of 10 to 20 species from southwestern Africa.

Hoodia gordonii is the stoneage wonder plant found throughout the dry arid regions of the South western African continent now on the verge of making history in the fight against obesity. It is a genus belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family which consists of approximately 20 species. Used to stop hunger, quench thirst, and provide energy among other things since prehistoric times, Hoodia gordonii was first discovered by the San tribesmen and women to get through the most difficult of times.

The African name for this plant is Xhoba but scientists know it by its botanical name, Hoodia gordonii. Forming clumps of erect multi-angled stems this spiny, perennial succulent that looks like a cactus is not a cactus (there are no native cacti in Africa) is a It is actually a member of the milkweed Asclepiadaceae family and can grow 2 1/2 feet tall. Not 6 feet as some would have believe. The large brownish unpleasant smelling flower located at the tips of the Hoodia gordonii stems ensures its propagation and survival in the wild by emitting a distinct carrion odor to attract the flies which pollinate them.