What is calotropis?
calotropis is a genus of plants in the Asclepiadaceae family or milk algae. This genus includes two types of milk algae, calotropis gigantea or giant milk algae and calotropis procera or roostertree. Milk algae is named for a milky -colored sap contained inside the stems and leaves. Many people are allergic to the sap and the plant itself is highly toxic. It is originally from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean, where it grows near roads, beaches and other neglected areas. In addition to drought tolerance, calotropis thrives in salt soil. These flowering plants do best in sunny areas and will not grow well in the shade. This plant is a fertile seed and spreads easily, which increases its potential to become an invasive plant. The trees are 10 to 15 feet high (3-4.5 meters) when they are ripe and covered with cortic bark. Instead of flowers, this plant produces clusters of three to four wheels, green fruits that look similar to an apple or orange but cannot beeat.
"apples" are mostly hollow and pop as pressure exerts. The fruit contains a semi -module and a small amount of silk fibers. The Jamaicas collect this silk for a pillow, while the Arabs turn into weapons matches. Fruit calotropis procera also contains a milk sap that gives these plants their name. SAP is highly poisonous and contains chemicals that are considered steroid heart poisons.
Although all Calotropis plants are toxic, these poisonous plants also have beneficial use. Durable fiber produced by calotropis is used to create ropes, carpets, fishing nets and sewing thread. Combination of fermented milk algae and salt can be used to remove goat and sheep skin hair during the skin production process. Calotropis was also used as a fungicide and insecticide.
As a medicinal plant, Milkweed has unique properties. INCombination with other medicines is useful to treat a large number of conditions, including fever, digestive, colds, asthma and nausea. The whole plant can be dried and used as a tonic and expectorant. Dried root cortex from milk algae plant is used as depurative, expectorant and laxative. Leaves can alleviate intermittent fever, swelling, paralysis and atlegia, while flowers can be used as astringent and help in digestive problems.