Hoodia alstonii
Apocynaceae FAMILY

Hoodia alstonii

Hoodia alstonii

Edibility
2/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Hoodia alstonii is a succulent, cactus-like shrub that can grow up to 1 metre tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and means of staving off hunger. Many species in this genus have potential for use in helping overweight people reduce their weight, acting by reducing the sensation of hunger.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical
Native RangeSouthern Africa - Namibia, S. Africa.
HabitatUsually found on rocky outcrops, often in very inhospitable desert areas.