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The biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.

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Abstract

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This review article contributes in more understanding of most aspects of Calotropis procera biology and extend our knowledge about its behavior.

Abstract

Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T (Asclepiadaceae) (Giant milkweed) is a xerophytic perennial shrub or small tree. It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and common in the Middle East. It grows on a variety of soils, from fine to coarse texture, with varying degrees of salinity. The importance of C. procera in the functioning of ecosystems is reflected in its hosting of butterflies, while it also acts as a food plant for arthropods. In addition, it is used for medicinal purposes in many arid countries. Potential new uses of this species in semi-arid regions include the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with trace elements and the use of biomass as a source of renewable energy.

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Author contribution statement

All authors contributed to this work. Maha El-Midany collected the preliminary literature and worked with Emad Farahat preparing anatomical cross sections for all organs of the plant. Emad Farahat prepared the manuscript and navigated the peer-review process. T. Galal, and L. Hassan helped in reviewing the manuscript. All the authors approved the submission of this manuscript to Trees Journal.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of the Botany and Microbiology Department to accomplish this work. We appreciate the editor and reviewer comments and valuable suggestions which significantly improved the manuscript. Many thanks for Prof. D. Rayner (University of Gothenburg) for his revision to the language.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, 11790, Egypt

    Loutfy M. Hassan, Tarek M. Galal, Emad A. Farahat & Maha M. El-Midany

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  1. Loutfy M. Hassan
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  2. Tarek M. Galal
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  3. Emad A. Farahat
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  4. Maha M. El-Midany
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Emad A. Farahat.

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Communicated by L. Gratani.

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Hassan, L.M., Galal, T.M., Farahat, E.A. et al. The biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.. Trees 29, 311–320 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-015-1158-7

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