What Is That Smell? Oh, It Is The Hoodia

As you might suspect from any scientific name, the name of the hoodia gordonii plant is often misspelled or misidentified. As you research hoodia gordonii you'll undoubtedly come across common misspellings such as hoodia gordini, or hoodia gordonili. Don't be mistaken by the misspellings.

These are not other members of the hoodia family of plants. Only the hoodia gordonii provides contains the appetite suppressing qualities that have made the whole family of hoodia plants quite popular.

In addition to being misspelled, hoodia plants are often mislabeled as cacti. Just about every article out there about hoodia will refer to them as some kind of cactus. But, they're not. Hoodia plants are actually succulents. It's easy to get confused. I know. Think of it this way. Both cacti and hoodia are succulents, but are found on different branches of the family tree. Hoodia plants are native to the sands of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa , although it's not uncommon for them to also spring up near other desert plants in dry, stony areas.

All species of hoodia plants currently enjoy protection from the South African government. Some species, such as the hoodia officinalis delaatiana (also easy to misspell) found in areas of Namibia , are considered rare and endangered. The hoodia gordonii (or gordini, or gordonlili, depending on who misspells it) is not currently considered an endangered species, but officials are closely monitoring how it is being harvested for fear it may become so. Because the hoodia gordonii variation has recently become quite popular due to natural ingredients that have appetite suppressing effects, officials are watching all species of hoodia closely to prevent over harvesting by overzealous parties.

Some people think the hoodia plants to be quite unappealing both in appearance and in aroma. In fact, the smell of a blooming hoodia plant is often compared to the smell of rotting meat. (Ewww) Hoodia blossoms can vary in color from light pink to yellow to light brown, and most take some variation of a star shape when in full bloom. Perhaps that is why the plants are so appreciated by horticulturalists. Despite being what some people might consider ugly, smelly plants, various species of hoodia are quite common in herbariums and green houses. 

Despite being difficult to spell, interest in the hoodia plants are sure to grow as scientists continue to investigate appetite suppressant characteristics found in the hoodia gordonii species.