Calotropis procera

Calotropis procera

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Common name: Rui/Milk weed/Madar

Calotropis procera is a medium-sized shrub that thrives in xeric (dry) habitats. Its stems and leaves are covered with a whitish bloom, which helps to reduce water loss in its arid environment, and it produces a white, milky latex, a hallmark of many plants in this family. The leaves are arranged oppositely and decussately. The flowers are pedicellate, actinomorphic, bisexual and pentamerous. The purple-tipped corolla adds to the ornamental beauty of the plant. The stamens are fused with the stigma to form a gynostegium, a distinctive feature of this plant family. The fruit is a follicle, which opens along one side when mature.

Calotropis procera has several applications. The root bark is used to treat dysentery and skin diseases. Powdered flowers are commonly used for treating coughs, colds, and asthma. The juice of the leaves is applied in cases of intermittent fever. In addition to its medicinal uses, the stem bark yields fiber that is traditionally used to make fishing nets, showcasing its practical utility. Despite its beneficial uses, Calotropis procera should be handled with care, as its latex can be toxic if ingested in large amounts and may cause skin irritation. It is essential to use the plant under proper guidance to avoid potential toxicity.