1 live plant in a small pot, grown with organic methods. See additional picture, you'll receive a similar plant. *** Ships within the continental USA only ***
Definitely in the rare, exotic and unusual category Calotropis gigantea are great additions to any tropical garden! According to the Hawaiian culture it is a symbol of royalty and is made in to stunning leis and worn and adored by the last queen of Hawaii named Queen Liliuokalani.
The flowers are white to lavender and have a little "crown" in the center composed of five downward-pointing, twisted petals that resemble a miniature royal crown. They are produced in bunches among the leaves, which are light green and fuzzy on both sides. When fully grown, each small tree or large bush can support hundreds of Monarch butterflies as the adults sip nectar from the flowers and the caterpillars eat the leaves. Don't worry about the caterpillars, as the plant will quickly regrow whatever they eat and more. Grow to 5 feet tall, sometimes taller, smaller in a container. Perennial zone 8+. Foliage may die back in winter but plant reemerges quickly from it's roots in spring.
Other Names: Puakalaunu, Pua Kalaunu, Queen Liliuokalani Flower, Lei Flower, Ankhada, Madar, Swallow-wort, Syn: Asclepias gigantea, Madorius giganteus, Periploca cochinchinensis, Streptocaulon cochinchinense
