LIVE HOODIA PLANTS AND SEEDS SALES AND QUESTION

Sampling the Kalahari cactus diet  as seen on BBC, New Wonder Diet Drug?, African Plant May Help Fight Fat as seen on 60 Min

Deep inside the African Kalahari desert, grows A Succulent that looks like a cactus called the Hoodia. It thrives in extremely high temperatures, and takes years to mature. The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world's oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips. When South African scientists were routinely testing it, they discovered the plant contained a previously unknown molecule, which has since been christened P 57. This molecule tricks the brain into thinking it is full.

Hoodia is a small Asclepiad genus of 10 to 20 species, from southwestern Africa. They form clumps of erect multi angled stems. Extracts of Hoodia has been used recently to manufacture appetite suppressant medications. The close genus Trichocaulon is sometimes included in Hoodia. One of the hardiest of the asclepiads, most Hoodias will take a small amount of frost. The large brownish flowers are pollinated by flies, and use a very distinct carrion smell to attract them. They form in liberally at the tip of the stems. Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 10-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28�F ( -2�C) Sun Exposure: Light shade, morning sun Origin: Southwestern Africa Growth Habits: Succulent, forming clumps of 12 inches tall, 12 inches wide (30 by 30 cm) Propagation: Seed