Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton
Vernacular name: Apple of Sodom, Sodom apple (Hindi: मदार / आक)
Species Name: Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton
Family: Apocynaceae
Habit: Erect shrub/small tree.
Stem: Erect, branched, corky gray bark, milky latex.
Leaf: Opposite, oblong-obovate 8-15×4-8 cm, short-petiolate, grey-green.
Flowering: Throughout warm season
Flowers: Bracteate umbellate cymes; 5 ovate sepals, 5 triangular petals (campanulate corolla), white/pink; 5 stamens membranous anthers, pollinia; superior bicarpellary ovary, 5-angled stigma.
Fruit: Paired inflated follicles 8-12 cm, seeds with silky coma.
Uses:
- Milky juice is used as an infanticide and abortifacient.
- Latex is highly toxic and can cause damage to eyes.
- The leaves are insecticidal and are also used in fomentation.
- In Ayurvedic medicines, latex extract of plant is used in treat of diseases arthritis and discomforts like backaches and muscle sprains.
- Leaves and barks are used to treat asthma, coughs and cold.
- Extract from plant is used as biopesticide and nematicide in agriculture.
- Fiber extracted from stem is made into cordage and ropes.
- Floss from seeds is used as stuffing material.
- Plant is a good source for biofuel.
