Lagerstroemia indica L.
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Description
Lagerstroemia indica is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or large shrub, usually 3–10 m tall, with a spreading rounded crown. The trunk is smooth, slender, and attractive due to exfoliating bark that peels in irregular patches, revealing grey, brown, or pinkish inner bark. Leaves are simple, opposite or sometimes alternate, elliptic to oblong, usually 2–7 cm long, with entire margins, rounded bases, and acute apices. Leaves are dark green during the growing season and may turn reddish before falling in autumn. Flowers are bisexual, actinomorphic, and highly ornamental, arranged in large terminal panicles. Flowers are typically pink, purple, red, or white. The calyx is cup-shaped with five to six lobes. Petals are crinkled with clawed bases, giving the characteristic "crape paper" appearance. Stamens are numerous, with outer stamens often larger and more conspicuous. The ovary is superior. Fruits are globose to ellipsoid capsules, initially green and becoming brown at maturity. Capsules split into several valves to release numerous small winged seeds.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to China, Korea, Japan.
In Pakistan: Widely cultivated in Pakistan, India, Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Common in Parks, Gardens, University campuses.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Where it grows on campus
Taxonomic Notes
The genus Lagerstroemia belongs to Lythraceae and is characterized by Exfoliating bark, Showy flowers, Numerous stamens, Capsule fruits, UniFlora Field Recognition Tip 🌿. Look for 🌳 Smooth peeling bark.