Booc

Booc is the Somali name for a small tree belonging to the genus Calotropis, of the family Apocynaceae (the family of plants with milky latex). The species most commonly seen in East and East-Central Africa is Calotropis procera. The tree has large opposite leaves, flowers white and blue-purple in color, and pods that split open when ripe.

The most striking feature of this tree is the white milky latex that flows out when a branch or leaf is cut. This latex is toxic (bitter and harmful if ingested or touched), which is why most livestock avoid it.

Appearance and growth

Booc typically reaches a height of two to four meters. The leaves are large, with whitish down on the underside resembling felt. Flowers appear in clusters. The resulting pods are thick and air-filled; when ripe, they release seeds with white silky hairs that disperse easily on the wind, enabling rapid spread.

Habitat

The tree grows on arid and semi-arid soils, particularly in disturbed areas, roadsides and their margins, village surroundings, and watercourses that carry water intermittently. It tolerates drought and heavy grazing, and is therefore seen as an indicator that land has been damaged or pasture has degraded.

Uses

Some local people use the branches and leaves for rope and thatching. In the traditional medicine practices of many regions, the latex and roots were used for various treatments, but such use carries risk due to the toxicity of the latex. Fibers can be extracted from the inner bark.