Crown Flower (Calotropis gigantean)

This is a lei composed of a small pink rose and the purple crown flower.

The beautiful, bloomed, and unpicked crown flowers.

The Crown flower is scientifically called the Calotropis gigantea, but in Hawaiian it is called the pua kalaunu. This was a beloved flower of Queen Lili'uokalani which arrived in the islands around 1871. This is an especially prized ornamental plant for lei makers who use the long-lasting flowers to create intricate leis. This flower does not have a strong scent so it is good for those sensitive to smell. The only downfall of this plant is that it produces a milky sap which you need to be weary of when handling this plant. The best reason of all to have this as an ornamental plant is that it attracts beautiful monarch butterfly caterpillars. The leaves of the plant are a favorite food source for the caterpillars. The caterpillars will later turn into Monarch butterflies that flutter around the plant as well. This ornamental plant is commonly found around schools, homes, as well as hotels. It is truly a beautiful sight to see Monarch butterflies all around the tree.

First Picture from: http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Asia/India/photo232426.htm
Second Picture: taken with my own camera