Saudi Arabia’s largest milkweed species Calotropis procera (العشار)
is a a real pleasure to look at. It has the largest leaves of any native plant species I have ever seen within the Kingdom. Although it is a milkweed species it grows taller than do many trees.
The morphology and structure of this plant seem to be from another planet entirely. Seeing them in the desert is somewhat “trippy”. Although they are native to the Arabian Peninsula ( according to a book “Sand Kings of Oman” its roots were once ground up to be used as gun powder) seeing them amongst species that are furnished with thin branches and leaves seeing the enormous leaves of Calotropis procera will throw you off.
Some sources have reported that the ancient Egyptians once used their fluffy seeds as bedding material and used to stuff their pillows with them. Another source reported that beduins in the Negev and Sinai used to make skull caps from them. People of the region may have also made a sort of linen from its fibers.
Also this plant never disappoints! When in the flowering season it is teaming with native pollinators and even during the peak of summer you can see it buzzing with insect life.
I can’t wait to see this plant truly get the recognition it deserves. For all the ecosystem services it provides, its resilience, its abnormal beauty, it really is grandiose and wonderful.
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