Lagerstroemia indica
L.
Indian lilac
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Summary
Source: WikipediaLagerstroemia indica, commonly known as a crape myrtle (also crepe myrtle, crêpe myrtle, or crepeflower), is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. It is native to East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is an often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with a wide spreading, flat topped, rounded, or even spike shaped open habit. The tree is a popular nesting shrub for songbirds and wrens.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m tall. The branches are slender and 4 angled. The leaves often do not have leaf stalks. The leaves are broadly oval and 3-7 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flower panicles are 7-20 cm long. The petals are purple, pink or white. The fruit capsule is 1 cm long by 1 cm wide. The seeds are winged.
Edible Uses
No edible uses are known for this plant.
Medicinal Uses
The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant, and styptic. The bark, flowers, and leaves are considered hydrogogue and a drastic purgative. A paste made from the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds. The root is astringent, detoxicant, and diuretic. A decoction of the flowers is used to treat colds.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in partly shaded places and in good soil. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Central Asia, China, Dominican Republic, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Marquesas, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, Rotuma, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies,
Cultivation
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny sheltered position. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in soils low in nutrients. Dislikes very alkaline soils. Dormant plants are hardy to about -10°c if the wood is well ripened. They require very hot and humid summers and preferably the protection of a south facing wall if they are to flower in Britain. Plants are hardy in a very sunny position in southern England but they only flower in consistently warm summers. Plants are much hardier when the wood is thoroughly ripened by the sun. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Flowers are produced in broad panicles on the tips of the current years growth. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring in order to encourage new growth. Young plants grow fairly quickly and will often flower in their first year after planting out. Plants do not transplant well and should be moved with a large rootball. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a greenhouse, though one account recommends sowing in spring. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Take half-ripe wood cuttings, 5–8cm with a heel, in July or August in a frame, with a fair to good success rate. Mature wood cuttings can be taken in winter in a frame. Root cuttings of 4cm length taken in December give a high success rate.
Other Uses
The wood is hard and provides a useful timber.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Asare phul, Pan-ei
References (2)
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Liu, Yi-tao, & Long, Chun-Lin, 2002, Studies on Edible Flowers Consumed by Ethnic Groups in Yunnan. Acta Botanica Yunnanica. 24(1):41-56
