Hoodia currorii

Botanical Description

Hoodia currorii is a spiny, succulent shrub growing up to 1 metre tall, with many erect to spreading, branching stems. The cylindrical stem can be 4 - 8cm in diameter, with 11 - 24 vertical ribs consisting of prominent obtuse tubercles each one tipped with a sharp spine 6 - 10mm long[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ]. The plant is a commonly eaten food for travellers in the arid areas in which it grows, being used in particular because of its ability to quench thirst and hunger for extended periods. The active principle that acts to suppress the appetite has been identified and is now widely used as a diet aid. The plant is also harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. Most Hoodia species are attractive and unusual ornamentals for desert gardens. Cultivation is not easy, however, because of the need for hot and dry conditions. Cultivated plants, especially if pot-grown, usually die because of a too moist growing medium and a lack of fresh air[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ]. As a consequence of the general degradation of vast parts of southern Africa through overgrazing by sheep and goats, Hoodia species have practically disappeared in some areas where they were formerly abundant. All species are now protected by CITES regulations and some species are in danger of extinction[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ].