Hoodia propagation trials at the National Botanic Garden of Namibia

1. Hoodia propagation trials at the National Botanic Garden of Namibia By SilkeRügheimer National Botanical Research Institute Private Bag 13184 Windhoek, Namibia

2. Background • Project was initiated in June 2002 • Part of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network’s Threatened Plants Programme • Launched to support the role of Botanic Gardens in plant conservation • U$ 3000 granted to each participating country after approval of project proposal by Steering committee • Aim: to develop suitable propagation techniques to establish a viable ex situ population to relieve harvesting pressure on wild population • Funding ended December 2003 • Funding for the next 3 years secured through the National Agricultural Support System Programme

3. What is Hoodia • Cactus-like stem succulent • Family Asclepiadaceae • Endemic to drier regions of southern Africa • Namibia: widespread but mainly in Western regions • 10 species in Namibia • Most common: H. gordoniiand H. currorii • Current conservation status: low risk to vulnerable

4. Distribution of Hoodiain Southern Africa from Bruyns. 1993. Bot Jahrb. Syst. 115, 2: 177

5. Why Hoodia • Used by bushmen to overcome hunger and thirst on their hunting expeditions • Huge potential as anti-obesity drug (est. market value of U$ 2.6 billion annually) • Active ingredient isolated and patented by the CSIR under P57 • Patent right sold to Phytopharm (1997) • Lot of media coverage since then • Namibian farmers are starting to realize the potential of Hoodia as an alternative income source • Concerns to the impact of over-harvesting on wild populations

6. Activities • Literature survey (June 2002) to establish what is known, specifically regarding propagation techniques • Setting up of propagation facilities (Aug/ Sept 2002) • Seed collecting trip (Nov 2002) • 4500 seedlings germinated • 2000 plantlets hardened off • Dissemination of information and outsourcing of propagation • Marketing • Drafting legislations and policies regarding the commmercialisation of Hoodia

7. Germination of seeds

8. Hardening off of seedlings

9. Results • Hoodia can potentially be propagated for commercial purposes in Namibia • Best propagated from seeds (cuttings are difficult to root) • Fairly fast growing under optimal conditions • Requirements: sandy, well drained medium; high light intensity; regular watering • Problems: fungus rot and wooly aphids

10. Issues which still need to be addressed • Propagation requirements for other species • Acceptable organic pest control • How long does it take until seedlings have reached a harvestable size • How much material can sustainably be harvested from one plant • Growth and recovering rate of natural plants compared to propagated plants • Quality of propagated plant material vs quality of material from wild populations

11. The way foward • Assist communal and commercial farmers to set up nurseries • Training on propagation techniques • Regulate sources for supplying material to people who want to start propagating • Regulate marketing and sales (prices, locality, origin of material, export) • Review legislations and policies to protect natural populations