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Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies

Aak, the crown flower, is a species of Calotropis native to Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal.

It is a large shrub growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall. It has clusters of waxy flowers that are either white or lavender in color. Each flower consists of five pointed petals and a small “crown” rising from the center which holds the stamens.

This plant plays host to a variety of insects and butterflies. It is the host plant for Hawaii’s non-migratory monarch butterflies. Calotropis is an example of pollination by insects and pollination is achieved with the help of bees. 

Aak plant is loved by:

Larval Host Plant

  • Danaus chrysippus – Plain Tiger
  • Danaus genutia – Striped Tiger
  • Parantica aglea – Glassy Tiger
  • Tirumala limniace – Blue Tiger
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Danaus chrysippus – Plain Tiger
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Danaus genutia – Striped Tiger
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Parantica aglea – Glassy Tiger
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Tirumala limniace – Blue Tiger

Nectar Plant

  • Catochrysops strabo – Forget-me-not
  • Tarucus balkanica – Little Tiger Pierrot
  • Tarucus indica – Transparent Pierrot
  • Danaus chrysippus – Plain Tiger
  • Danaus genutia – Striped Tiger
  • Junonia atlites – Grey Pansy
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Catochrysops strabo – Forget-me-not
Aak plant (Calotropis gigantea) as a host plant for butterflies
Tarucus balkanica – Little Tiger Pierrot
Tarucus indica – Transparent Pierrot
Danaus chrysippus – Plain Tiger
Danaus genutia – Striped Tiger
Junonia atlites – Grey Pansy

Care and Propagation of Aak plant

Light Preference- Full Sun

Water Preference- Moderate Water

Plant Growth Rate- Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance- All types

Maintenance Requirements- Moderate

Propagation Method- Seed, Stem Cutting

Foliage Retention- Evergreen

Interesting Facts:

According to the Shiva Purana, the madar flower/crown flower is very much liked by Lord Shiva; therefore the crown flower and its garland are offered to Lord Shiva for peace, prosperity and stability in society. The Crown flower is also one of the major parts of the nine astrological trees (Navagrah tree).

Read more: What is a Host Plant?

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