Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera)

Product description

The Apple of Sodom was already described 2,000 years ago by the Roman-Jewish historian Josephus. 'Growing near the place of Sodom, it has a beautiful appearance, but if one plucks it with the hands it turns into smoke and ashes'. This was near the biblical city of Sodom and this description is about the fruits of the bush. These are round and grow to about 10 cm in size like an apple. When ripe, they turn from green to yellow and can then pop open on contact and launch the seeds. The seeds have 3-5 cm long fluff, so they can be dispersed with the wind. The fruits contain a white milky juice and are highly poisonous, as is the rest of the plant. Despite this toxicity, the plant has been used medicinally for a very long time, including in India and northern Africa. Its many uses range from curing snake bites to solving abdominal and skin problems. When the white milky sap dries, it becomes a glue-like substance that can be used as rubber. In addition, the light wood of the species can be used for roofs and strong fibres are made from the shrub for making rope and fishing nets. 

The flowers are white with purple tips. They are pollinated by the monarch butterfly, among others. It is a pioneer species that does well in dry grasslands and in overgrazed areas of farmland. With that quality, the species can become invasive in tropical areas, so it can only be kept in colder Europe. At a minimum temperature of 5grC and in a sunny location in sand-rich soil.

Sowing description: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours, then sow shallowly in sowing soil. Allow to germinate at 25-30grC in a bright spot without direct sunlight. Keep soil constantly slightly moist.