Common Name: Apple of Sodom
Vernacular Name: ചിറ്റെരിക്ക്
Systematic position:
Class- Magnoliopsida
Subclass- Asteridae
Order- Gentianales
Family- Apocynaceae
Genus- Calotropis
Species- C. procera
Description: Calotropis procera is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae that is native to North Africa, Pakistan, tropical Africa, Western Asia, South Asia, and Indochina. The green fruits contain a toxic milky sap that is extremely bitter and turns into a gluey coating which is resistant to soap. Common names for the plant include Apple of Sodom, Sodom apple, king's crown, rubber bush, and rubber tree. The names "Apple of Sodom" and "Dead Sea Apple" stem from the ancient authors Josephus and Tacitus, who described the plant growing in the area of biblical Sodom.
Flowering and Fruiting: Throughout the year.
Economic Importance: The leaves of Calotropis procera are said to be valuable as an antidote for snake bite, sinus fistula, rheumatism, mumps, burn injuries, and body pain. The leaves of Calotropis procera are also used to treat jaundice.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calotropis_procera