Botanical Description:
– Calotropis gigantea and C. procera are the most common species in the genus.
– Average height ranges from 8 to 10ft, occasionally reaching 14 to 16ft.
– Leaves are sessile, opposite, ovate, cordate at the base.
– Flowers are 1.5 to 2in in size, white to pink in C. procera, and white to purple in C. gigantea.
– Seeds are compressed, ovoid, with tufted micropylar coma of silky hair.
Toxicity:
– Milky sap of Calotropis plants is toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation.
– Sap is bitter, turns gluey, and is resistant to soap.
– Calotropin in the latex is more toxic than strychnine.
– Cattle avoid these plants due to their unpleasant taste and cardiac glycosides content.
– Toxic ingredients can be preserved in liquid form and naturally disintegrate over time.
Medicinal Properties:
– Calotropis species have been used for anti-inflammatory purposes.
– Traditional uses include treating skin conditions and promoting wound healing.
– Certain parts, especially the latex, show antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.
– Calotropis extracts have been used to relieve pain and treat gastrointestinal disorders.
– Some compounds in the plant have anti-parasitic properties.
Cultural Significance:
– Flowers are offered to Hindu deities Shiva, Ganesha, Shani Dev, and Hanuman.
– AstroVed mentions Calotropis as one of Lord Ganesha’s favorite flowers.
– Calotropis holds cultural and religious importance in certain traditions.
– Calotropis is associated with specific rituals and beliefs in various cultures.
– Calotropis plays a symbolic role in certain ceremonies and practices.
Research Studies and Agricultural Significance:
– Arya and Kumar (2005) studied anti-inflammatory efficacy of Calotropis procera latex extracts.
– Amini et al. (2021) highlighted important insights from the antimicrobial activity of Calotropis procera.
– Big Data in Agriculture journal published insights on Calotropis procera.
– Calotropis procera’s role in agriculture is discussed in various scientific articles.
– Calotropis procera’s potential in sustainable agriculture is being explored.