Hoodia Gordonii-A Rare Desert Jewel with Sculptural Allure

Hoodia gordonii – A Rare Desert Jewel with Sculptural Allure

Invite the mystique of the Kalahari Desert into your home with Hoodia gordonii, an extraordinary and rare succulent known for its rich cultural history, distinctive form, and effortless care. Native to southern Africa and long revered by indigenous communities, this remarkable plant is a true botanical treasure—perfect for collectors and anyone seeking something out of the ordinary.

 Key Features:

Sculptural, Desert-Inspired Form
Hoodia gordonii stands out with its stout, columnar stems, sculpted by pronounced ridges and spiny tubercles. Its upright, cactus-like silhouette delivers a bold, architectural aesthetic reminiscent of a Bushman's hat, adding exotic charm to any succulent display.

A Rare and Protected Species
Once overharvested for its traditional uses, Hoodia gordonii is now protected in the wild due to its slow growth and endangered status. Responsibly cultivated specimens allow plant lovers to enjoy this incredible species while supporting its conservation.

Unusual, Eye-Catching Blooms
In bloom, Hoodia produces large, fleshy flowers with a distinctive carrion scent, an evolutionary adaptation to attract flies for pollination. While unusual, these flowers are a fascinating window into the plant’s ecological role in its native habitat.

 Easy-Care for All Experience Levels:

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Bright, direct light helps it maintain compact, healthy growth.

• Water: Water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Drastically reduce watering in winter during dormancy.

• Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix to prevent water retention and root rot.

 Why Grow Hoodia gordonii?

• Rare and Collectible – A standout in any succulent or arid plant collection.

• Low-Maintenance – Ideal for both beginners and seasoned growers.

• Culturally Significant – Once used traditionally by the San people for its appetite-suppressing properties.

• Visually Striking – Its unique form and unusual flowers make it an instant conversation starter.

Bring Home a Piece of the Desert

More than just a succulent, Hoodia gordonii is a living piece of desert history. With its sculptural form, captivating flowers, and storied background, it offers both beauty and botanical intrigue.

Add this rare gem to your collection today—supplies are limited and highly sought after.

The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

Just click here to make your request.

Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options