MQ • 19

Some notes on the Sodom’s Apple Calotropis procera

In 2006 I had the opportunity to visit the United Arab Emirates for a job opportunity which, however, did not materialize. On that occasion I was able to observe spontaneous plants of what is considered the largest asclepiadacea in existence: Caloptropis procera, also known as the ‘Sodom Apple’ for its apparently edible but actually toxic fruits. I later learned that it is a very rare species and not even interesting as an ornamental plant since it requires cultivation in the open field, which has a wide distribution and is invasive in all tropical countries.
A ‘bummer’ then, but which deepening her knowledge revealed many virtues, so much so that I decided to propose the publication of an article about her to Alan Burler, editor of Asklepios magazine, whose production I took care of from a graphic point of view.
Published in Asklepios 99 in 2007.

Read or download the article in PDF format