At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Calotropis?
Calotropis is a genus of plants within the asclepiadaceae, or milkweed, family. This genus includes two species of milkweed, Calotropis gigantea or giant milkweed and Calotropis procera or roostertree. Milkweeds are named for the milky-colored sap contained within the stems and leaves. Many people are allergic to the sap, and the plant itself is highly toxic.
Giant milkweed, or Calotropis gigantea, can grow to be 16 feet (about 5 meters) tall and has clusters of lavender flowers at the branch tips. It is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean where it grows near roadsides, beaches, and other neglected areas. In addition to drought tolerance, the calotropis thrives in salty soil. These flowering plants do best in sunny areas, and will not grow well in the shade. This plant is a prolific seeder and is easy to propagate which increases its potential to become an invasive plant.
Roostertree or Apple of Sodom grows in tropical regions. The trees are 10 to 15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall when mature and covered with a corky bark. Instead of flowers, this plant produces clusters of three to four round, green fruits that appear similar to an apple or an orange, but can't be eaten.
The "apples" are mostly hollow and pop when pressure is applied. A seed pod and a small amount of silky fibers are contained within the fruit. Jamaicans collect this silk for pillow stuffing, while Arabs twist it into gun matches. The Calotropis procera fruit also contains the milky sap that gives these plants their name. The sap is highly poisonous and contains chemicals that are considered steroidal heart poisons.
Although all calotropis plants are toxic, these poisonous plants have beneficial uses as well. The durable fiber produced by the calotropis is used to create ropes, carpets, fishing nets, and sewing thread. A combination of fermented milkweed and salt can be used to remove hair from goat and sheep skins during the leather-making process. Calotropis has also been used as a fungicide and insecticide.
As a medicinal plant, milkweed has unique properties. When combined with other medicines, it is useful to treat a large variety of conditions including fevers, indigestion, colds, asthma, and nausea. The entire plant can be dried and used as a tonic and expectorant. Dried root bark from the milkweed plant is used as a depurative, expectorant, and laxative. The leaves can relieve intermittent fevers, swelling, paralysis, and arthralegia, while the flowers can be used as an astringent and to aid in digestive issues.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![The Calotropis genus contains Calotropis gigantea, or giant milkweed.]()
By: WaraphanThe Calotropis genus contains Calotropis gigantea, or giant milkweed. -
![The Calotropis genus contains Calotropis procera.]()
By: simona kovacsThe Calotropis genus contains Calotropis procera. -
![The durable fiber produced by the calotropis may be used to make rope.]()
By: leeyiutungThe durable fiber produced by the calotropis may be used to make rope. -
![The durable fiber produced by the calotropis may be used to make fishing net.]()
By: nupsik284The durable fiber produced by the calotropis may be used to make fishing net. -
![Calotropis may be used to make sewing thread.]()
By: dulsitaCalotropis may be used to make sewing thread. -
![Fermented milkweed and salt can be used to remove hair from sheep skins.]()
By: tarakiFermented milkweed and salt can be used to remove hair from sheep skins. -
![When combined with other medicines, milkweed may be helpful in treating fevers.]()
By: Piotr WawrzyniukWhen combined with other medicines, milkweed may be helpful in treating fevers. -
![When combined with other medicines, milkweed may be helpful in treating colds.]()
By: DirimaWhen combined with other medicines, milkweed may be helpful in treating colds. -
![Milkweed may be helpful in treating nausea.]()
By: Artem FurmanMilkweed may be helpful in treating nausea.
Discussion Comments
It's true that homeopathy uses this plant for certain ailments but no modern scientific research has been done on calotropis and its possible medical uses.
I personally prefer to see studies of a plant's benefits, uses and effectiveness before trying it. Many homeopathic remedies have been studied and found to be beneficial. Calotropis is not one of them and the fact that its poisonous is enough to avoid the plant. I think if the plant was beneficial, animals would eat it but they don't.
@ddljohn-- I think people who use calotropis for its medicinal benefits know the plant very well. So they can easily identify what to discard and what to use. They will also be knowledgeable about the doses and methods for preparation. Of course, no one should try to use calotropis on their own as a remedy. It is very poisonous and as far as I know people have died from its consumption. Handling calotropis plants is a task meant for experts and natural medicine practitioners.
Calotropis is one of the plants used in ayurveda and ayurveda practitioners prepare the plant. It is used for inflammation, skin infections, wounds, the common cold, asthma and gastro-intestinal problems.
I didn't know that plants in the calotropis family have medicinal properties. But considering that these plants are also toxic and poisonous, isn't it dangerous to try to use them for remedies?
Post your comments