Calotropis gigantea

Abstract

The genus Calotropis (family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadaceae) contains 6 species.1 C gigantea, a noncultivable weed found abundantly in Africa and Asia, is commonly known by the names "crown flower," "giant milkweed," and "shallow wort." In India, it is commonly called "Madar" in the Hindi dialect. It grows in wastelands and can be identified by its thick oblong leaves and odorless purplish flowers (Figure). Milky white acrid juice exudates out once the leaves or stalks of the plant are incised or broken.