Family: Apocynaceae Scientific name: Calotropis procera Description: Plant Form Large upright shrub or small tree. Size 1-4 m tall. Stem Green and smooth with milky sap, turning corrugated and corky beige with age. Leaves In opposite pairs 10-20 cm long, elliptical with heart shaped base, underside with hairs on midvein. Flowers Purple and white with 5 petals, waxy, in groups of up to 15. Fruit and Seeds Inflated pod 8-12 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs, rounded base with pointed tip, seeds with parachuting hairs. Habitat Cleared areas, roadsides, grazing land, savanna. Distinguishing Features Very distinctive without lookalikes. Impacts Highly toxic to humans and livestock, outcompetes native plants. Roots can harm turtle nesting activities.