Heme detoxifying enzyme that converts heme to crystalline hemozoin (beta-hematin) to protect the organism from the toxic effects of heme (PubMed:18437218, PubMed:23471987, PubMed:25138161, PubMed:28949547). During its development, P.falciparum proteolyzes vast amounts of host hemoglobin, leading to heme release (PubMed:18437218). 2 Fe(III)-heme b = beta-hematin Optimum pH is 4.5-5.2. Component of the hemozoin formation complex (HFC) composed of falcipain 2, plasmepsins PMII, PMIII/HAP and PMIV, heme detoxifying protein HDP and falcilysin FLN (PubMed:23471987). The HFC complex is involved in hemoglobin degradation and detoxification of heme in the food vacuole during the asexual blood stage (PubMed:23471987). Interacts with falcipain 2; the interaction is direct and enhances HDP catalytic activity (PubMed:23471987). Interacts with host hemoglobin (PubMed:28949547). Delivered to the food vacuole, the site of hemozoin formation, via a unique trafficking route (PubMed:18437218, PubMed:23471987). Initially secreted into the cytosol of infected red blood cells (PubMed:18437218). A subsequent endocytosis of host cytosol delivers HDP to the food vacuole (PubMed:18437218). Expressed during the asexual blood stage including in trophozoites (at protein level). HDP is critical for survival, suggesting it could be a potential malaria drug target.