
- Hindi
- आक
- Botanical
- Calotropis gigantea
- Family
- Apocynaceae
About the plant
Host plant for tiger butterflies — plant one and the caterpillars arrive.
Growing it
Sap is an irritant — site it away from where children play.
What it is for
The most effective butterfly plant for a dry Indian garden.
How to grow
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Water
- Rain only
- Season
- Apr–Jul
- Grows in
- Garden / ground
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 m
- First harvest
- Butterflies within one season
Sap is an irritant — site it away from where children play.
Traditional uses
Traditionally used — recorded as tradition, not as established effect. The two registers below are kept separate on purpose.
Traditional knowledge
The most effective butterfly plant for a dry Indian garden.
Scientific evidence
This record has not yet assessed the research on these uses. Absence of an assessment here is not evidence either way.
Important: Traditional plant use does not replace professional medical advice. Do not treat a condition on the strength of this page — speak to a doctor.
Ecological value
Where it grows in India
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a named specialist
- Published