Auricula Tree
Calotropis procera
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 0226 — Calotropis procera
Calotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis procera
IOverview
Overview
The Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera) is a shrub or small tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Algeria, Assam, Bangladesh, and Benin, among others. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. Known for its ornamental value and as a source of edible parts such as leaves, sap, and shoots, this tree is widely distributed across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow in hardiness zones 8-11, reaching heights of up to 4 meters.
Quick answers
What is Auricula Tree?
The Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera) is a shrub or small tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Algeria, Assam, Bangladesh, and Benin, among others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 8-11. The tree requires dry to moist conditions and grows up to 4 meters tall. For cultivation, focus on providing ample sunlight while ensuring the soil remains neither too dry nor overly saturated. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, sap, and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Habit
Tree, Shrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Auricula Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with planting an Auricula Tree in a sunny spot, as it thrives in full to partial sun.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Auricula Tree sapling and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the sapling during spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into a well-prepared garden bed or large pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly but ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun, water when the soil feels dry, and prune as needed to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space for the tree's growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSapShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Fire startertextilesDyeFiberCover cropRoofingSoil conditionerErosion controlWeaving materialTeethLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Spain
Asia4 regions
native (4)CambodiaIndiaIranKuwait
Africa18 regions
native (18)AlgeriaBeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaKenyaLibyaMalawiMaliMauritania
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf States, East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0226409a-04b4-475d-b870-f11068b40787
Decision aid
Choosing between Auricula Tree and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.