Crown Flower, scientifically known as Calotropis gigantea, goes by various names. In Hindi, it refers to “Aak” or “Madar,” and in English, it refers to “Milkweed.” It is a large shrub and has two varieties, one is white flowers and the second is pinkish-white flowers. Its roots, leaves, flowers, milky fluid, and wood are very useful.
The beautiful flowers of the Crown Flower have been employed in crafting leis and were particularly beloved by the last queen of Hawaii.
Calotropis gigantea common name:
Aak or Crown Flower Plant botonically known as Calotropis gigantea belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Here are some common names for the Aak plant:
- India: In India, people often call it “Aak” or “Ak,” among other regional names like “Madar” or “Milkweed.”
- United States: In the United States, people know this as “Crown Flower” or “Giant Milkweed.”
- Southeast Asia: In Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia refer to it as “Raja Puri,” “Pokok Kapal Terbang,” or “Kemboja.”
- Cambodia: In Cambodia, people recognize it as “Dilom khsâq kpuəm” or “Svaay cheër yöm.”
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka recognizes it as a “Giant Milkweed” or “Crown Plant.”
- Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, it is often called “Akondo” or “Akanda.”
- Nepal: Nepal uses names like “Aank,” “Sodom,” or “Swetakanda.”
- Africa: Some African regions know it as “Rubber Bush” or “Apple of Sodom.”
These diverse names reflect the plant’s widespread distribution and its significance in various cultures and regions. Both for its medicinal uses and its cultural and traditional associations.
Crown Flower’s Unique Flower Formation:
The crown flower plant (Calotropis gigantea) has a unique flower formation. Here is the structure of the crown flower’s flower:
- Flower Clusters: The crown flower produces clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers. These clusters are typically large and contain several individual flowers tightly packed together.
- Petals: Each individual flower within the cluster consists of five pointed petals. These petals can be either white or lavender in color, and they have a distinct shape that resembles a star or crown.
- Central “Crown”: At the center of each flower, there is a small, raised structure that resembles a miniature crown. This central crown holds the flower’s reproductive organs, including the stamens and pistil. The crown is a distinctive feature of the flower and gives the plant its common name, “crown flower.”
- Aestivation: The arrangement of sepals or petals in the crown flower follows a specific pattern known as “valvate aestivation.” In valvate aestivation, the sepals or petals in a whorl just touch one another at the margin without overlapping.
- Color Variations: The crown flower can have white or lavender petals, and this color variation adds to its visual appeal.
The unique flower formation of the crown flower, with its star-shaped petals and central crown structure, makes it a visually striking and distinctive plant. This flower formation is not only aesthetically appealing but also plays a role in the pollination process. This flower attracts the plants aiding in the plant’s reproduction.
Historical Significance and Traditional Uses:
The history of the Aak plant White Aak/Madar/Calotropis gigantea Medicinal Plant deeply intertwines with traditional medicine and cultural practices. While it may not have a recorded history like that of ancient civilizations, it has a rich ethnobotanical history. Here’s an overview of its historical significance:
Traditional Medicine
The Aak plant (Safed/White Aak/Calotropis gigantea Medicinal Plant) has a long history of use in traditional medicine in countries where it is native, such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. The plant has been a part of indigenous healing practices for centuries.
Ayurveda:
In India, the Aak plant holds a place in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. People use it to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and pain relief. Ancient Ayurvedic texts document its use.
Folk Remedies:
In rural and tribal communities, the Aak plant has been a source of remedies for common health issues. The Dangas tribe in Gujarat, Singhum tribe in Bihar, tribes of Ghatigaon forest in Gwalior, and tribes of Andhra Pradesh have been using this plant in the treatment of various disorders such as ear pain, cough, fever, abdominal pain, dysentery, and elephantiasis.
Religious and Cultural Significance:
Some cultures associate the Aak plant with religious rituals and cultural practices. For instance, Hindus use it in their rituals and offerings. Although it is a wasteland plant, people use it for sacred use as its flowers are offered for worshipping Lord Shiva, a Hindu God.
Snakebite Treatment:
The latex of the Aak plant has been historically used in some regions to treat snakebites. It is believed to have anti-venom properties.
Textile Industry:
The fibers from the Aak plant have been used in the textile industry to make ropes and textiles.
The Aak plant, or Calotropis gigantea, stands as a testament to the profound connection between nature, traditional healing practices, and cultural heritage. With its rich ethnobotanical history, it has been a source of remedies for a wide range of ailments, from skin conditions to respiratory disorders. Moreover, The plant’s presence in ancient Ayurvedic texts underscores its enduring significance in the realm of natural medicine. However, it’s crucial to approach its use with caution due to the toxic components present in some parts. As the Aak plant continues to be a subject of interest in both historical and modern applications, it serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between plants, human health, and the preservation of traditional knowledge.
