Poftan - The Mystical Purple Plant of West Africa

Calotropis pocera photographed in Mbour, Senegal

Scattered across the dry plains of the Sahara is a mystical plant by the name of calotropis procera.

“Calotropis” is derived from Greek, meaning “beautiful,” in reference to the purple and white tinged flowers; whereas “procera” is a Latin word referring to the cuticular wax present on its leaves and stem.

During my most recent trip to Senegal I became increasingly intrigued by this plant, of which I had observed and played with so often during my younger years in Senegal, without truly realizing it’s importance and stature in West African traditional medicine.

 Other common names for the plant include the Apple of Sodom, believed to have grown in the Biblical land of Sodom, near the dead sea. A native species to West African, this plant is known in Wolof as “poftan”, and holds many medicinal, spiritual and traditional uses across Senegal and West Africa. Other names for the plant across Senegal include: Kupapa (Peulh) and Bupumba in Diola. 

Poftan fruit

Underside view of the Poftan fruit, leaves and flowers.

Once broken off from the stem the flowers release a toxic  milky white sap, that turns into a gluey coating resistant to soap. While toxic, the sap is known to have a purgative emeto-cathartic effect- meaning effect- prompting vomiting and purging at the same time. The sap is also said to  be used to induce abortion, as well as. Other uses of the leaves and roots include treating snake bites, dermatitis and constipation.

The plant has also been known to be used as gris-gris, ceremonial and ritualistic  practices in Senegal often denoted as “witchcraft”.