|
Giant
Milkweed,
Bowstring
Hemp
Calotropis gigantea
(L.) Ait. f.
cal-oh-TRO-pus
gi-GANT-ee-ah
Asclepiadaceae
Explanation
of name:
Generic name for “beautiful ship’s keel” (WA1). Gigantea is
self-explanatory.
Natural
range:
India to Indonesia (BA2)
Recognition:
Extremely large (to 15’), pubescent milkweed with light purple flowers. Drips
white sap profusely when broken (PBCC)
Landscape
uses:
Fast-growing, open, large-leaved, weedish shrub or small tree with showy purple
and white flowers. Larval plant for Monarch Butterflies
|
Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
|
Flowering season
|
Typical dimensions
|
Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
|
Problems |
|
Calotropis gigantea |
Giant Milkweed |
Exotic |
Perennial
Shrub |
|
To 15’
(BA2, PBCC) |
|
SU
ME-WE
(PBCC) |
Weedish
(PBCC) |
|
