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Auricula Tree

Calotropis procera
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Calotropis procera (Auricula Tree) — botanical photograph
Pl. 0226 — Calotropis procera
Calotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis proceraCalotropis procera
I

Overview

The Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera) is a shrub or small tree native to a wide range of 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. The Auricula Tree is also valued for its utility in providing fire starter, textiles, dye, fiber, cover crop, roofing, soil conditioner, erosion control, weaving material, and even as a source of teeth and lumber. However, it is important to note that it has the potential to become a weed in introduced regions.

Quick answers

What is Auricula Tree?

The Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera) is a shrub or small tree native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Algeria, Assam, Bangladesh, and Benin, among others.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

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. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Auricula Tree sapling and well-draining soil.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant the sapling during spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend if necessary.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling into a well-prepared garden bed or large pot.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly but ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full to partial sun, water when the soil feels dry, and prune as needed to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space for the tree's growth.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSapShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Fire startertextilesDyeFiberCover cropRoofingSoil conditionerErosion controlWeaving materialTeethLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

60 native · 44 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 60 native· 44 introduced
Europe1 region
native (1)Spain
Asia17 regions
native (15)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaIndiaIranKuwaitMyanmarNepalOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaThailandVietnamYemen
introduced (2)ChinaIraq
Americas16 regions
introduced (16)BahamasBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPuerto RicoUnited StatesVenezuela
Africa35 regions
native (34)AlgeriaBeninBurkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLibyaMalawiMaliMauritaniaMoroccoMozambiqueNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTunisiaUgandaWestern SaharaZambiaZimbabwe
introduced (1)Comoros
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Gulf States, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Socotra, Zaïre
introduced:Argentina Northwest, Aruba, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, California, Cayman Is., Florida, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Netherlands Antilles, Northern Provinces, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, South Australia, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Western Australia, Windward Is.
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Calotropis procera (Auricula Tree) — botanical photograph
Auricula Tree (Calotropis procera)
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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