POISONOUS AND INJURIOUS PLANTS Ly 
BN—13196 
FIcuRE 7.—Giant Milkweed (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.) 
the extremely toxic glucoside calothropin (59). The drug is an ex- 
tremely potent, quick-acting heart stimulant; minute amounts are 
capable of producing death (6,53). Fortunately, the plant is so un- 
desirable to animals that they eat it only when severe emergency con- 
ditions prevail; consequently, cases of giant milkweed poisoning are 
rare. 
MANAGEMENT AND Controi.—The copious production of light, air- 
borne seeds by giant milkweed contributes to its remaining a constant 
pasture pest. Although thick stands are never found, giant milkweed 
is distributed over a wide range, and control measures are necessary. 
