TITLE:
Morpho-Taxonomic Study Based on Wild Weed Plant Species Calotropis procera (Aiton)—Whole Plant
AUTHORS:
Asaad Ahmed, Lina Hassaballa, Abdelgabbar Guma’a
KEYWORDS:
Aiton, Apocynaceae, Usher
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
26,
2022
ABSTRACT: This work is an attempt to make a taxonomic study on Calotropis procera plant in Tehama area, Al-Baha
region of Saudi Arabia. Al-Baha Province is divided by huge and steep Rocky
Mountains into two main sectors, a lowland coastal plain at the west, known as
“Tihama” and a mountainous area with an elevation of (1500) to (2450) m above
sea level at the east, known as “Al-Sarat or Al-Sarah” which form a part of
Al-Sarawat Mountains range. The study included a scientific description of the
family Apocynaceae and the scientific classification of the species Calotropis
procera. Botanical names, synonyms and vernacular names (Local names) were
presented. Botanical description is determined depending on its vegetative,
floral and fruit characteristics. Notes on habitats and distribution were
provided. The plant species has been illustrated by photos in its habitat. Chemical
components, medicinal properties and local uses were included. The study
revealed that Calotropis procera is widely spread throughout the study
area and it has great medicinal importance, so it requires more comprehensive
studies for identification. The study aims to: (Number one is deleted). 1) Determine
the distribution and habits of the species Calotropis procera. 2) Provide
medicinal properties and local uses of Calotropis procera. The method
was recorded due to Dr. Jacob Thomas, Herbarium Dept., College of Science, King
Saud University. Authors recommend recent accurate techniques such as DNA
fingerprinting to identify the species. More Biochemical studies on the
effective chemical compounds are required for the medicinal importance of the plant.