Hoodia currorii

Hoodia currorii is a succulent plant native to Namibia and the Cape Province of South Africa.[1] It grows in desert areas and is common along the road from Karibib to Swakopmund in Namibia.[2] It is also known as ghaap in the vernacular.[3]

Hoodia currorii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Hoodia
Species:
H. currorii
Binomial name
Hoodia currorii
(Hook.) Decne.

Description

Hoodia currorii grows in erect clumps with gray-green stems, 8 centimeters in diameter.[4] It reaches heights of 50 to 80 centimeters tall.[4] It bears rust-red flowers mid-summer[5] which are covered in purple hairs.[4] These are large flowers, about five to ten centimeters in diameter.[2]

Cultivation

Hoodia currorii is more commonly seen cultivated than other Hoodia species.[5] It can be grown from cuttings.[5]

Uses

Hoodia currorii may be eaten after the spines are removed and is said to have a sweet flavor.[3]

References
  1. "Hoodia currorii". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  2. "Hoodia in Namibia" (PDF). National Botanical Research Institute. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  3. Grubben, G.J.H.; Denton, O.A., eds. (2004). Plant Resources of Africa 2: Vegetables. Wageningen, Netherlands: Backhuys Publishers. pp. 329–331. ISBN 9057821478. Retrieved 18 July 2015. Hoodia currorii.
  4. Sajeva, Maurizio; Costanzo, Mariangela (2000). Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 159. ISBN 9780881924497.
  5. Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 175. ISBN 9780754818427.


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