Species of succulent
Hoodia alstonii is a succulent plant native to Namibia and the Cape Province of South Africa.[1] H. alstonii is also known commonly as ghaap, an Afrikaans name.[2] It tends to grow in rocky, desert areas.[3]
Description
Hoodia alstonii can grow to about 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height.[3] The stems are upright and pale gray in color.[4] The plant has very sharp, hard spines.[4] It produces small, yellow flowers mostly on the top parts of the stems which are approximately 1–1.8 centimetres (0.4–0.7 in) in diameter.[4] The flowers have an odor similar to excrement and are pollinated by flies.[3] It has a shallow root system.[2]
Cultivation
Hoodia alstonii is considered easy to grow, but needs plenty of fresh air and should be watered mainly during its growing season.[2] It is prone to root rot.[2] It prefers warm temperatures, though it is occasionally hardy to 0 °C (32 °F).[2]
Uses
Hoodia alstonii has been harvested in the wild as a food source.[3]
References
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| Hoodia alstonii | |
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| Trichocaulon alstonii | |
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