Calotropis procera - Apple of Sodom

General Information Common Name  The Apple of Sodom The Milkweed Scientific Name  Calotropis procera 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 Light 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. procera

Calotropis procera – Apple of Sodom

Calotropis procera, also known as the Apple of Sodom. It is also called the common Milkweed plant. It is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Despite its notorious reputation as a poisonous plant, Calotropis procera has a long history of traditional use in medicine and as a source of fiber.

The plant typically grows as a small tree or shrub and can reach a height of up to 5 meters. Its leaves are large, thick, and waxy, and its flowers are fragrant and resemble those of the common milkweed. The fruit of the plant is a large, round, and woody capsule that contains numerous small seeds that are surrounded by a silky, cotton-like material.

The apple of sodom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, fever, snakebites, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant contains a number of bioactive compounds, including cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids, that have been shown to have a range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor activities.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Calotropis procera has also been used for centuries as a source of fiber for weaving. The silky, cotton-like material that surrounds the seeds of the plant is known as floss silk and has been used to make a variety of products, including textiles, ropes, and paper. The plant's wood is also used for fuel and as a building material.

Despite its usefulness, the common Milkweed can be extremely toxic if ingested in large quantities. The plant contains a number of cardiac glycosides, including calotropin and uscharin, that can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias and even death if consumed in excess. The plant's toxic properties have also led to its use as a traditional poison for hunting and fishing.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential medicinal and industrial uses of Calotropis procera. Researchers are exploring the plant's pharmacological properties and are working to develop new drugs based on its bioactive compounds. There is also increasing interest in the plant's potential as a source of renewable energy, particularly in regions where wood and other traditional fuels are scarce.

Calotropis procera is a fascinating plant with a rich history of traditional use in medicine and industry. While its toxic properties must be treated with caution, its potential benefits make it a plant worth studying and exploring further. As researchers continue to uncover the plant's secrets, it is likely that we will discover new and innovative ways to harness its medicinal and industrial properties for the benefit of society.

 

 

Apple of Sodom

Apple of Sodom Bark

Apple of Sodom seeds

Apple of Sodom seeds

Apple of Sodom

Apple of Sodom Fruit

Apple of Sodom Flowers

Apple of Sodom Leavs

Apple of Sodom flowers

Apple of Sodom

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.

 

 

Calotropis gigantea - Crown Flower

Calotropis gigantea - Crown Flower

Crown Flower Seeds

Crown Flower Seeds

Crown Flower seeds

Crown Flower Leaves

Crown Flower Leaves

Crown Flower

Crown Flower

Crown Flower

Crown Flower

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

General Information Common Name  Tree Fuchsia Scientific Name  Fuchsia excorticata Sun Tolerance  Full Sun Height  up to 15 m (up to 50 ft) Spread  3 - 5 m (10 - 16 ft) Growth Rate  Medium Bloom Time  Winter Color  Green, Flower Color  Violet, Pink  Type  Tree Native New Zealand

Classification Kingdom  Plantae – Plants Subkingdom  Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision  Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division  Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class  Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons Subclass  Rosidae Order  Myrtales Family  Onagraceae - Evening Primrose Family Genus Fuchsia L. – Fuchsia Species  F. excofticata

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata, commonly known as Tree Fuchsia also known as New Zealand Fuchsia is native to New Zealand. It is commonly found throughout New Zealand and as far south as the Auckland Islands.

F. excorticata is the largest member of the genus Fuchsia. It is growing up to 15 m (50 ft) in height and trunk diameter up to 1 m (3.3 ft). It is distinguishable by an unusually light brown or orange bark, which is highly thin and paper like, peeling in strips. It is unusual among New Zealand trees being deciduous in the southern part of its range, losing its leaves in winter in all but the warmest areas.

The leaves of this species include slim petioles, the join being nearly 1 – 4 cm (0.4 – 1.8 in) long. The leaves tend to be approximately 10 mm and ranging from 1.5 – 3 (0.5 – 1.4 in) wind, tend to form an oblong shape with a rounded base. Leaves have a smooth epidermis with the anomaly on the margin and veins. Its margin is serrated with small teeth, color of above generally being dark green and the bellow being paler and more silver.

The attractive, small flowers appear between August and December. They gradually change from greenish-yellow to purple-red. Flowers are solitary and pendulous with an average of 3-4 petals that extend to a point. The flower base generally redder in color before extending into rich petals. The Petals of the flowers are 2 – 5 mm long. The flowers are rich in nectar and are visited by honey-eating birds, especially tui, bellbirds and silvereyes.

The berries range to nearly 10 mm long, ellipsoid-oblong shaped, color is dark purple to almost black. The berry is sweet, juicy and delicious to eat.  It is one of the possum’s preferred food sources. Maori named the berry Konini and on the West Coast of the South Island the plant is known by this name. It makes a sweet tasty jam.  It was also eaten by European settlers in jams and puddings. It also plant as ornamental flowering plant.

Video About Fuchsia excorticata

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Leaves of Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata Leaves

Tree Fuchsia Leaves

Flowers of Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata Flowers

Tree Fuchsia Flowers

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fruits of Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata Fruits

Tree Fuchsia Fruits

Bark of Tree Fuchsia

Logs of Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata Logs

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata – Tree Fuchsia

Physoplexis comosa - Devil’s Claw

General Information Common Name  Devil’s Claw or Tufted Horned Rampion Scientific Name  Physoplexis comosa Sun Tolerance  Full Sun Height  14 cm (below 6 inc) Spread  5 – 14 cm(4 – 6 inc) Growth Rate  Slow Bloom Time  Summer Color  Green Flower Color  Pale Pink and Violet Type  Cactus & Succulents Native  Alpine Europe, Austria, Italy (Italy mainland), Slovenia

Classification Kingdom  Plantae – Plants Subkingdom  Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision  Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division  Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class  Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons Subclass  Asterids Order  Asterales Family  Campanulaceae Genus  Physoplexis Species  P. comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Devil’s Claw also known as Tufted Horned Rampion, science name Physoplexis comosa is native to alpine Europe. The area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 500 km. This plant is difficult to find. It is the only species in its genus, and was formerly included in Phyteuma. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 5 ins tall by 6 ins wide, with glossy toothed narrow oval leaves, and dense umbels of necked. It grows in limestone rock crevices on vertical walls, from mountains to subalpine zones, up to 2000 m above sea level. It blooms Violet colors flowers in summer. In cultivation it is suitable for the rockery or alpine garden, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa

Physoplexis comosa