Trees Planet: Calotropis gigantea

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Calotropis gigantea - Crown Flower

General Information

Common Name	Crown Flower
Scientific Name	*Calotropis gigantea*
Sun Tolerance	Full Sun
Height	up to 6 m (up to 20 ft)
Spread	up to 2 m (up to 6 ft)
Growth Rate	Fast
Bloom Time	Summer
Color	Green,
Flower Color	Violet
Type	Shrubs
Native	Asia, Australia and North America

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass	Asteridae
Order	Gentianales
Family	Asclepiadaceae -Milkweed Family
Genus	Calotropis - Milkweed
Species	C. gigantea

Calotropis gigantea – Crown Flower

Calotropis gigantea, also known as Crown Flower, is a tropical shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is closely related to other members of the genus Calotropis, including Calotropis procera. It is also called The Giant Milkweed tree.

Calotropis gigantea can grow up to 6 meters tall, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, and are arranged spirally on the stem. The flowers are showy, with a diameter of about 5 cm, and are typically purple or white with a yellow center. The fruit is a large follicle up to 15 cm long and contains many seeds, each with a tuft of silky hairs that aids in wind dispersal.

Calotropis gigantea has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and flowers, have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as fever, cough, asthma, and skin diseases. The latex obtained from the plant is used to treat wounds and skin infections. The plant is also used in religious ceremonies in some cultures.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Calotropis gigantea has other practical uses. The fibers in the bark and stem can be used for making rope and paper, and the latex can be used to coagulate rubber. The plant is also used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant in gardens, due to its attractive flowers.

Calotropis gigantea can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions, and is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. It is commonly propagated by seed or stem cuttings. The plant requires full sun and moderate watering, and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.

Despite its beneficial uses, Calotropis gigantea can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The sap contains cardenolides, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, heart palpitations, and even death in large doses. The plant can also cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. Therefore, caution should be exercised when handling the plant.