Origin and Common Names
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. is commonly referred to as Bowstring Hemp, Sodom Apple, Giant Milkweed, and Mudar in various regions of the world. The plant is native to Sub-Saharan Africa but has now spread across other continents, including Asia and America, due to its usefulness.
General Appearance
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. is a perennial shrub that can grow between one to five meters in height – depending on the environmental conditions. The plant has a fleshy, succulent stem with a pale bark, latex sap, and opposite leaves that are grayish-green, narrowly ovate-shaped, and velvety to the touch. Calotropis busseana K.Schum. also has waxy flowers that come in various shades of pink or white.
Uses
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. has numerous medicinal, agricultural, and industrial uses. The plant's leaves, roots, and latex sap contain alkaloids, glycosides, and other phytochemicals that have antivenom, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The extracts from the plant have been used to treat various ailments, including snake bites, leprosy, cancer, and diabetes, among others. In agriculture, Calotropis busseana K.Schum. has been used as a natural pesticide, animal feed, and a source of fiber for ropes, mats, and papers. The plant's stem fibers have also been used to create traditional clothing and blankets. In industry, Calotropis busseana K.Schum. has been used to manufacture rubber, soap, and biofuels.
Light Requirements
The Calotropis busseana requires full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade during the hottest hours of the day, but overall it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without sufficient sunlight, the plant may grow weak and stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The Calotropis busseana can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 45°C. However, it grows best in warm to hot conditions, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. In areas with colder temperatures, the plant may suffer from frost damage.
Soil Requirements
The Calotropis busseana can grow in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-draining. The plant prefers sandy and loamy soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate soil salinity but not waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The plant benefits from the addition of organic matter such as compost to improve soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. is a plant that prefers warm temperatures and grows best in a well-draining soil in full sun. It can grow in different types of soil but thrives best in sandy soils with good fertility. The plant requires adequate spacing between each plant as overcrowding hinders proper growth.
Watering Needs
The plant grows best in areas with high humidity, but it also requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging. It is recommended to water the plant thoroughly and frequently during the growing season to sustain proper growth, but too much water can cause root rot. On the other hand, not watering enough can lead to brittle leaves and stunted growth.
Fertilization
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. requires good nutrition to maintain healthy growth. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content and potassium are ideal for promoting foliage growth and flower production, respectively. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning is not needed for the plant, but it can be done to enhance the overall appearance of the plant. Pruning should be done early in the growing season before the plant produces buds and should only aim to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. A sanitized pruning tool should be used to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Calotropis busseana K.Schum.
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. can be propagated through several methods:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest method. The seed pods should be collected after they turn brown and dry. The seeds should be removed from the pod and dried in a cool, shaded place for a few days. After drying, the seeds can be stored for later use or planted immediately. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can take 10-14 days, and seedlings should be transplanted to their desired location when they have developed a few sets of true leaves.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible but requires more skill and effort. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy, mature plant and dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be misted regularly. With proper care, roots should develop in 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Calotropis busseana K.Schum. This method involves making a small incision in a mature stem and wrapping it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. The wrapped area should be covered with plastic to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, new roots should develop in the wrapped area, and the stem can be cut below the roots and potted in well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by certain fungal diseases such as leaf spot or powdery mildew. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be employed as a preventative measure. For powdery mildew, prune affected areas and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used as a treatment method.
Pest Management
Calotropis busseana K.Schum. can be affected by various pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To manage spider mites, apply water to the plant's foliage to increase humidity, or employ neem oil or insecticidal soap. To manage mealybugs, manually remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scale insects can be manually removed using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also employ parasitic wasps, natural predators, that feed on scale insects.
