Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton

Birth Star:  THIRUVONAM

English Name:  Crown Flower

Malayalam Name: എരുക്ക്

Botanical Name: Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton

Family:  Apocynaceae

Flowering & Fruiting:  Throughout the year

Description:  Large shrub, which can sometimes grow large enough to look like a small tree. The waxy blossoms on this enormous shrub, which can occasionally get so big it resembles a tiny tree, are grouped together and are either white or lavender in colour. Five angular petals make up each flower, and the stamens are held in place by a tiny, tasteful “crown” that rises from the middle. There are milky stems and oval, light green leaves on the shrub. The blooms have a long vase life and are used in a variety of floral arrangements in Thailand. They were also said to be well-liked by Liliuokalani, the Hawaiian monarch, who wore them strung into leis and regarded them as symbols of royalty. The plant is widespread in India’s temple grounds. The fruit is a follicle, and when the seeds are dry, the wind disperses them. Young children enjoy blowing the seeds with the hair parachute to watch them drift in the air.

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The data on this page was gathered from reliable sources, like reference materials on medicinal herbs. We do not purport to provide any medical advice, and it is not a replacement for medical advice or treatment. Before utilizing or ingesting a plant for medicinal purposes, readers should always seek medical advice.