The Hoodia gordonii cactus is actually a succulent plant and not a cactus, this succulent properly known as Hoodia gordonii and it is part of the Asclepiadaceae family. The Hoodia plant is usually found in the very arid regions of Southern Africa where it has adapted to survive extended periods of drought and extreme heat. Common folk names include Xhoba, pronounced Ghoba, Queen of the Namib and Bushmens Hats.

Hoodia gordonii was first discovered by Col. R.J. Gordon while he was exploring the Orange River in 1776. Col. Gordon then referred the Hoodia plant to Francis Sweet who described it as Stapelia gordonii. Sweet then transferred it to the Hoodia genus which, until recently was part Asclepiadaceae family. Dr. Peter Bruyns of the Univerity of Cape Town recently reclassified the Stapeliads (plants bearing much of the characteristics of Hoodia species) of Southern Africa and moved the Hoodia genus into the Apocynaceae family.

Hoodia plants are distribution area is from central Namibia to southern Angola and southwards into northern South Africa. The Hoodia cactus can be found in plains and rocky areas throughout its distribution area.

Hoodia plants may seem like a cactus due to the spikes that are found on the succulent stems, these stems can reach a height of one meter. The spikes are actually modified leaves which have evolved to protect the succulent stems from predators. Hoodia plants pollinators are usually flies, their primary pollinators, they are attracted to the scent of rotting carrion that is emitted by the large saucer-shaped flesh-coloured flowers.

Hoodia gordonii is part of a genus that has other Hoodia species, these Hoodia plants do not contain the much sought after active ingredient present, P57 that ocurs in Hoodia gordonii. Biotech firms, such as Phytopharm, are trying to produce a weight loss product based on this molecule, this is proving to be more complex than initially anticipated, hence companies and individual farmers are growing Hoodo under controlled environments to help meet the ever growing need for the Hoodia weight loss diet pill supplement.

Hoodia plants are protected by CITES (Convention on Illicit Trade of Endangered Species), which makes it illegal to harvest Hoodia plants and their seeds from the wild without authorisation from the local authorities. When farmers, who grow the Hoodia cactus in a controlled environment export their Hoodia to foreign lands it is mandatory by law to send a CITES certificate with the product. A CITES certificate is issued by local authorities, such as Fauna and Flora in South Africa.