Hoodia gordonii

The Hoodia genus takes its name from Van Hood - a succulent plant grower, while the name of the 'gordonii' variety honors R. Gordon, who discovered it in 1778. Also called "Queen of the Namib" and "Kalahari cactus", because it looks like a cactus, even if it is actually a succulent. It is a plant with a greyish green stem and an erect and branching habit, covered with numerous tubercles, which look like spines. In August and September you can admire the wonderful flower of Hoodia: flat and round, resembling a disc, of a color, ranging from brown to purple, with tiny dots and slightly lighter veins. It gives off an unpleasant smell.