Lagerstroemia speciosa

Lagerstroemia speciosa, or also known Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen's Crape-myrtle, Banaba Plant and Pride of India, originated from South East Asia, India and the Philippines. It belongs to the plant family of Lynthraceae.

A deciduous tropical flowering tree that grows up to 20 m tall, with smooth, flaky bark; its leathery leaves are elliptic/oval and about 8-15 cm long. Its inflorescence is panicles of pink and magenta flowers, each with six petals and a yellow center of stamens.  The fruit is oval, about one inch long which is dry at maturity and splits open to release small winged seeds.

Its bark is commercially used and is a valuable timber. A decoction of its dried leaves and fruits is therapeutic against ailments such as diabetes, cholesterol deduction, hypertension kidney- and urinary problems. The taste is pleasant and smooth; in Japan it is known as "slimming tea." Its fresh leaves are also an essential component for emergency tincture of wounds and for sanitizing the surface of the skin. The roots are used for stomach problems and as an astringent.

The information provided above is not intended to be used as a guide for treatment of medical conditions using plants.

Look out for them near the Zig-Zag Point.

Pictures 

 (Lagerstroemia speciosa found near the Zig-Zag Point)

 (Flaky bark)

 (Panicles of pink and magenta flowers)

 (Flower buds)