Calotropis gigantea

Calotropis gigantea, commonly known as the giant milkweed or crown flower, is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Native to Southeast Asia and tropical Africa, it has been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant. The shrub can grow up to 4 meters tall and features large, glossy leaves arranged in a spiral pattern. The flowers of Calotropis gigantea are large and showy, with five pointed petals forming a crown-like shape. They can be white or lavender in color and emit a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. While the flowers bloom year-round, they are most abundant during the summer. In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Calotropis gigantea is valued for its medicinal properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have been found effective against several ailments. These include fever reduction, treatment of skin conditions like eczema, respiratory disorders such as asthma, digestive disorders like diarrhea, and wound healing. Calotropis gigantea also holds cultural significance in many parts of Southeast Asia, where it is used in religious ceremonies or offerings due to its symbolic association with purity and divinity. However, it is important to note that all parts of Calotropis gigantea contain toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation if handled improperly. Therefore, caution should be exercised, and proper protective measures should be taken when handling this plant.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Calotropis

Family

Apocynaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-11

Mature Height

3.05 m

Mature Spread

1.52 m to 1.83 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

Lavender

Flower Size

3.05 cm to 4.06 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvest Time

All year round

Native Area

Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China

Tags (4)

Common Names (11)