Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera)

Family: Apocynaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Auricula Tree or Calotropis procera is an erect, flowering shrub that grows up to 2-5 m tall. When fully established, it is drought-resistant and salt-tolerant. Its flowers are purple and white and the plant juice is poisonous. The stem is source of strong and durable fibre used in making ropes, bow strings, fishing nets, paper, pulp, etc. The seed capsules, on the other hand, are used as stuffing material in mattresses.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The flower shoots are eaten young and raw. The leaves are occasionally eaten. The leaves are used for making an alcoholic drink. In Ethiopia the sap is added to milk to help it coagulate. — The flower shoots are eaten young and raw.; The leaves are occasionally eaten.; The leaves are used for making an alcoholic drink.; In Ethiopia the sap is added to milk to help it coagulate.

Habitat & North American Range

A weed along degraded roadsides, lagoon edges and in overgrazed native pastures. It has a preference for and is often dominant in areas of abandoned cultivation, especially in sandy soils in areas of low rainfall. (Zone 8)