Giant Milkweed
ExplorePlants
Giant Milkweed
calotropis procera
The Giant Milkweed (Calotropis procera) is an incredibly resilient, evergreen shrub or small tree native to arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Often recognized by its large, leathery grayish-green leaves and clusters of striking waxy flowers, this species plays a vital role in desert ecosystems. It is highly valued for its traditional medicinal uses, although almost every part of the plant contains a toxic white latex. This hardy plant is highly adapted to disturbed soils, dry environments, and saline conditions, often serving as a pioneer species that stabilizes sand dunes and provides vital resources for desert wildlife.
Habitat: Found in arid, semi-arid, and disturbed environments such as roadsides, overgrazed pastures, and coastal dunes.
Appearance
This robust, multi-stemmed shrub typically grows up to 4 meters tall, featuring opposite, sessile, obovate-to-oblong leaves that are soft, leathery, and covered in a fine white down when young. The foliage has a distinctive dusty, pale-green or grayish hue. The striking flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters; they are white with deep purple or pinkish tips on the petals and a central purplish corona. The fruit is a large, inflated, mango-shaped pod that splits open when mature to release numerous brown seeds attached to silky white hairs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusCalotropis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its high toxicity, the desert locust can feed on its leaves and utilizes the toxins to protect itself from predators.
Its seeds are attached to silky, floss-like fibers that were once used as a substitute for cotton to stuff life jackets and pillows.
The toxic milky sap contains cardiac glycosides, which have historically been used on arrow tips for hunting.
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Latex Defense
Produces a thick, milky white sap rich in cardiac glycosides that deters most herbivores and pests from feeding on its tissues.
Ability
Drought Resilience
Utilizes deep taproots and succulent, waxy leaves to survive extreme heat and prolonged periods of drought with minimal water.
Ability
Wind-Dispersed Seeds
Produces seeds equipped with silky tufts of hair, allowing them to drift long distances on desert winds to colonize new areas.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-400 cm
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, the Giant Milkweed produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
host plant
African Monarch
Danaus chrysippus
The caterpillars of this butterfly feed exclusively on the toxic leaves, sequestering cardenolides for their own chemical defense.
eaten by
Milkweed Bug
Spilostethus pandurus
Feeds on the seeds and sap of the giant milkweed, tolerating and storing its toxic compounds.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
Calotropis giganteacrown flower
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Giant Milkweed?
The easiest way to identify Giant Milkweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Giant Milkweed?
150-400 cm
How long does Giant Milkweed live?
5-15 years
What does Giant Milkweed eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, the Giant Milkweed produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Where is Giant Milkweed usually found?
Found in arid, semi-arid, and disturbed environments such as roadsides, overgrazed pastures, and coastal dunes.
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