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