Hoodia gordonii XHOBA (5 seeds)

Xhoba or Hoodia gordonii in Latin, is a prickly succulent plant measuring 50 cm in height and belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It has the shape of a cactus and grows in Southern Africa within the Namib Desert. It is also found in Angola and on the plains of rocky areas.

The flowers are distinctive, star-shaped, and measure 5 to 10 cm in diameter. They are generally brownish or purple in color with hints of yellow. Flowering occurs in summer. The flowers emit an unpleasant odor, similar to decaying meat, which attracts certain insects such as flies.

Its stems are fleshy, thick, and cylindrical, covered with small spines or protrusions. They can reach a height of 30 to 50 cm and usually measure between 3 and 5 cm in diameter. They are green but can also exhibit brown or grayish tints.

Hoodia seeds are flat, brown in color, and relatively fragile.

- Uses:

Hoodia is primarily used in the dietary supplement industry for its natural appetite-suppressing properties. Extracts of this succulent are integrated into weight management programs to help reduce caloric intake.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Traditionally, Southern African populations consume the hoodia stem to suppress hunger and thirst during long expeditions. It is also used in local medicine to treat various digestive ailments or to boost energy levels.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable period to sow xhoba is from July, when the weather is very hot.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in water to break their dormancy.
• Prepare a tray consisting of 40% fine potting soil and 60% fine sand.
• Sow the seeds flat.
• Cover the seeds with 2 millimeters of fine soil.
• Water the culture using a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse in a very warm location with a temperature between 30°C and 40°C. Germination typically begins within 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It requires well-aerated soil, rich in minerals and organic matter, and above all, very well-drained. Sand must be included in the substrate, and a bed of clay pebbles should be placed at the bottom of the pot.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Xhoba does not need much water; this succulent is cultivated like a cactus. One watering per week is perfectly adequate.

- Light / Exposure:

This desert plant acclimates to all kinds of light but prefers bright light and full sun. Regarding artificial lighting for indoor cultivation, it is preferable to use horticultural neon lights, HPS lamps, or MH bulbs.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very well when the temperature varies from 20°C to 40°C. Below this range, its growth will slow down. It is not a hardy plant and will not survive winter frosts. It is therefore recommended to bring the plants indoors during winter. Its USDA hardiness zone is 10/11.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

It can be reproduced either by seed or by stem cuttings. To take a cutting, cut a 10 cm branch, let it dry for several days to form a callus, and then plant it in a well-drained substrate.