Calotropis gigantea

Bowstring Hemp, Crown Plant, Giant milkweed, Crown flower

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

True courage, in its deepest sense, is to be able to face everything, everything in life, from the smallest to the greatest things, from material things to those of the spirit, without a shudder, without physically… without the heart beginning to beat faster, without the nerves trembling or the slightest emotion in any part of the being. Face everything with a constant consciousness of the divine Presence, with a total self-giving to the Divine, and the whole being unified in this will; then one can go forward in life, can face anything whatever.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1955: 26 January 1955

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Courage

The Mother’s Comment

Bold, it faces all dangers.

Colour

Mauve

Message of the Flower

Integral Courage

The Mother’s Comment

Whatever the domain, whatever the danger, the attitude remains the same - calm and assured.

Colour

White

Family

Apocynaceae

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Flowers form in clusters, with each flower measuring about 1-2 inches across.

Flower Texture

Thick and waxy.

Number of Petals

Five

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant, especially noticeable in the evening.

Leaf Texture

Thick, leathery, with a furry texture on the underside.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green with a silver or gray tint due to the fine hairs.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub or small tree.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Throughout the year in tropical climates, with peaks during the warmer months.

Climate

Tropical to subtropical.

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal water.

Soil Type

Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-drained soil.

Temperature Ranges

Thrives in warmer climates and is not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Resistant to most pests and diseases but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs and scale insects.

Pollinators

Attracted by bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Habitat

Native to Southeast Asia and India, found in a variety of habitats from arid regions to tropical climates.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for various insects; the plant's fibers are used by some bird species for nesting.

Ornamental

Grown for its striking flowers and as a protective hedge.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Investigated for potential uses in natural remedies, biofuel production, and ecological restoration.

Endangered Status

Investigated for potential uses in natural remedies, biofuel production, and ecological restoration.

Search by Keywords

Search by flower's colour, message, common name, botanical name etc.