Synonyms:

Ceropegia pilifera
Hoodia pilifera subsp. annulata
Hoodia pilifera subsp. pillansii
Piaranthus pilifer
Stapelia pilifera
Stisseria pilifera
Trichocaulon piliferum

Habitat:

Hoodia pilifera is native to Cape Provinces where the plant grows in arid regions on rocky sandy slopes. The plant can spread up to 900 m of altitude but can be found also near the foot of sandstone mountains.

Description:

Hoodia pilifera is a columnar succulent belonging to the Apocynaceae botanical family. The plant is leafless and can reach up to 80 cm in height and 8 cm in diameter. The stem is erect, pale green and made of 20-30 deep furrowed ribs. Each rib is made of several flattened tubercles bearing bristles. At the apex of the tubercles are borne flexible brownish bristles up to 1 cm long. The blooming occurs during the spring from August to September on plant at least five years old. The campanulate flowers are borne at the apex of each branch and are showy, ranging the color from the pink to darker red. This genus carries out propagation thanks to a strange pollination mechanism: the flowers emit a smell of fleshy meat in order to attract flies and blowflies to the stamens. This particular pollination is shared with other genera like Stapelia, Huernia and Ceropegia and it is called myophily. The fruits are capsules containing numerous light brown seeds. The seeds are spread by the window thanks to pappus, silky hairs that act like parachute.

Cultivation:

This is a slow growing plant, easy to cultivate. The plant needs a full sunlight exposure but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light during the hottest periods. The plant is sensitive to temperatures below 6°C, so it should be moved indoors in colder weather. The soil should consist of a mix of pumice, clay, and loam to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot, to which the plant is susceptible. To facilitate excess water drainage, it is recommended to use a perforated pot. Watering plays a crucial role in the well-being of this species. During the vegetative period, it is recommended to water the plant every 7 days, ensuring that the soil is completely dry before the next watering. In winter, watering should be suspended to allow the plant to enter dormancy. Regarding fertilization, a moderate application of specific succulent fertilizers during the growing season is sufficient. Fertilization should be discontinued in winter. You should repot the plant every 2 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season using fresh potting soil. It is essential to be vigilant for red spiders and mealybugs, as these pests can pose a threat to the plant’s health. Regular checks and prompt intervention are advisable to keep these potential issues under control. For mealybugs you can remove them with a paintbrush dipped into spirit or if large number are present, you may use an insecticide.

Propagation:

Propagation is done mainly by seed and occasionally by cutting because the severed ends very rarely root. Propagating the plant by seed is very simple; it is enough to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it at a high level of humidity with a temperature of 14 C°. Seeds are produced in March and April in Europe. To fast the propagation, you can try to immerse the seeds in water for 1 day.

Curiosity:

The genus name “Hoodia” comes from Van Hood an experienced succulent grower. The specific name ”pilifera” means having flexible hair-like. In its native habitat indigenous use this plant as a convenient emergency food and moisture source in harsh arid environments.

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