What is Hoodia ...

You may have read about Hoodia Gordonii in the press, heard about it on the radio, or seen it featured on one of many television programs ... but what exactly is Hoodia Gordonii?

Natural to the Kalahari desert of Southern Africa, Hoodia Gordonii has been used for thousands of years by the indigenous hunter gathers.

One of the oldest living tribes in the World, the 'San' have been chewing on the inner flesh of the Hoodia while on hunting trips to allow them to endure lack of fresh water and available food.

As 'game' is scarce, the San had to travel long distances tracking their prey, with the need to travel light. Plus to avoid eating their catch on the return journey, the tribes people as well as their hunting dogs would 'snack' on Hoodia to quench their thirst as well as their appetite.

Other tribes in Africa, such as the Anikhwe in Northern Botswana, the Hai Tribe from Northern Namibia, and the Khomani tribe from northwestern South Africa have also been recorded using Hoodia Gordonii in their tribal rituals, as a medicine and food supplement.

The Hoodia Gordonii plant ...

While there are over 40 different types of Hoodia plant spread throughout Africa, Hoodia Gordonii can only be found in Southern Africa.

Despite many listings on the internet, Hoodia Gordonii is not a cactus, but a succulent.

The plant appears after the summer rainfalls in Angola, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It can also be found after winter rainfall in Namibia.

Mature Hoodia Gordonii plants can reach almost 6 feet in height and they are extremely difficult to cultivate. These plants need temperatures of at least 50 degrees, whether they are in the sun or shade. The appearance of the plant is light green, and it frequently grows in clumps of upright stems.

 

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