Contents
Description
Calotropis Procera is a plant species that belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is also known as the apple of Sodom, giant milkweed, or swallow-wort. This plant species is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has a thick, corky bark and a milky sap that is poisonous.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Calotropis |
| Species | Procera |
Appearance
Calotropis Procera has large, green leaves that are oblong in shape and can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The flowers of this plant are fragrant and have a unique shape, with five petals that curl back towards the stem. They are typically white or lavender in color and can grow up to 15 centimeters in diameter. The fruit of Calotropis Procera is a large, woody pod that splits open when ripe to reveal seeds that are surrounded by white, silky hairs.
Care Guide
To care for Calotropis Procera, you must provide it with plenty of water, especially during the hot and dry months. This plant species also requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calotropis Procera is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the plant clean and free of debris, as well as to monitor it regularly for signs of infestation.
Habitat
Calotropis Procera is a plant species that is found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, savannas, and dry forests. It is commonly found in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calotropis Procera poisonous?
A: Yes, the milky sap of Calotropis Procera is poisonous and can cause skin irritation or even death if ingested.
Q: Can Calotropis Procera be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Calotropis Procera has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and asthma.
Q: Can Calotropis Procera be grown indoors?
A: While Calotropis Procera prefers full sunlight, it can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with enough light.
Q: How often should Calotropis Procera be fertilized?
A: Calotropis Procera should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Calotropis Procera:
- Asclepias syriaca
- Nerium oleander
- Thevetia peruviana
References
- “Calotropis procera”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286492&isprofile=0&basic=Calotropis%20procera. Accessed 6 July 2021.
- “Calotropis procera”. PlantZAfrica. Available at: http://pza.sanbi.org/calotropis-procera. Accessed 6 July 2021.
- “Calotropis procera”. Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calotropis_procera. Accessed 6 July 2021.
