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 Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Hoodia
Species:
H. currorii
Binomial name
Hoodia currorii

Description

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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

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

Uses

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

References

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  1. ^ "Hoodia currorii". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Hoodia in Namibia" (PDF). National Botanical Research Institute. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c Sajeva, Maurizio; Costanzo, Mariangela (2000). Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 159. ISBN 9780881924497.
  5. ^ a b c Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 175. ISBN 9780754818427.