Hoodia alstoniiis a cactus - similar succulent found in Africa , known in Afrikaans as " ghaap . " It has been traditionally harvest in the wild as a food origin .

Hoodia alstonii(N.E.Br . ) Plowes

Ceropegia alstonii , Trichocaulon alstonii

Hoodia alstonii

In habitat, Umdaus, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byJean Audissou. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

mob : ApocynaceaeSubfamily : AsclepiadoideaeTribe : CeropegieaeGenus : Hoodia

The specific epithet " alstonii "   ( pronounced " al - STON - ee - optic " ) honorsEdward Garwood Alston(1862 - 1934 ) , a farm manager and plant aggregator in the Northern Cape responsibility of South Africa who sent plant toPeter MacOwanandSelmar Schönland .

The native reach ofHoodia alstoniiis within the winter - rainfall region of southernNamibiaand the western parts of the Northern Cape province ofSouth Africa . It mainly produce on schistous slopes and rock outcrop , but also at times on vitreous silica ridges .

Hoodia alstonii

In habitat, Gamsberg Crater, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byJean Audissou. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Hoodia alstoniiis a succulent shrub with grayish , leafless stanch covered with eminence fused below the middle , create 20 to 22 obtuse angles along the stem . The cylindrical stem can grow up to 3.3 feet ( 1 m ) tall and 3.2 inches ( 8 centimetre ) in diameter . Each tuberosity is tipped with a stout , abrupt , pallid brown spine quantify up to 0.4 column inch ( 1 centimetre ) long .

During the fountain , Hoodia alstoniiproduces inflorescences mainly in the upper parts of the stem , with each inflorescence contain 1 to 8 flowers get up from short , thick stalks . The corolla is campana - shaped and can reach a diameter of 0.7 inches ( 1.8 centimeter ) . On the outside , the corolla is pallid greenish - yellowness to bat , while on the inside , it is bright yellow , fading to a whitish tone towards the base . The corona is pallid yellow and raised on a short stipe . The fruits are pairs of pink , fusiform follicles .

Light : Hoodia alstoniiprefers full sun but benefit from light shade on the hottest summertime days . Indoors , place the plant near the brightest windowpane in your home , as it will adulterate if it does not invite enough sun . stave off abruptly impress a plant adapted to lowly light levels to full sun to prevent sunburn .

Hoodia alstonii

In habitat, Aggeneys, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byAndries Cilliers. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

grease : utilize a commercial-grade potting soil mix plan for succulents orprepare your ownby immix 50 % to 70 % mineral grit , such as coarse sand , pumice stone , or perlite .

Temperature : The plant flourish in quick outdoor surroundings with humbled to restrained humidity . It does not care wintertime cold and should remain relatively ironical and tender during its dormancy . Hoodia alstoniigrows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones10a to 11b , with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 ° F ( -1.1 to 10 ° one C ) .

lachrymation : It has typical watering needs for a succulent . During the growing time of year , from spring to decrease , water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings . When it goes dormant in wintertime , it needs almost no pee , about once a month .

Hoodia alstonii

In habitat, Nama Khoi Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa. Derivative of a photo byRCSwart. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Fertilizing : Feeding is good for keeping this plant healthy and prospering . employ a water - soluble fertilizer diluted to half - strength , but only when the flora is actively growing .

Repotting : RepotHoodia alstoniiin natural spring , just before the raise time of year . It has shallow root and does not ask a lot of land to spring up . Always pluck a container with drainage holes .

Propagation : The good agency to propagate this succulent is by stem cuttings . To ensure proficient rooting , take press cutting during the growing season . The industrial plant is also easy to begin from seeds in leap .

pick up more atHow to Grow and Care for Stapeliads .

Hoodia alstoniiis non - toxic and dependable to develop around kids and pets .

snap on a photo to see a larger version .

Did you detect this helpful ? Share it with other succulent lovers !