Lagerstroemia indica L.
| Kannada Name : | - |
| Common Name : | Crape myrtle |
| Family Name : | Lythraceae |
| Scientific Name : | Lagerstroemia indica |
| Species Type : | Indigenous |
| Phenology : | Deciduous |
| Conservation Status : | Not known |
| Flowering Period : | June - September |
| Fruiting Period : | September - November |
| Origin : | Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia |
Uses
The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant and styptic. The bark, flowers and leaves are considered to be hydrogogue and a drastic purgative. A paste of the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds. The root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic. A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds
Description
Deciduous shrubs or small trees, up to 10 m tall. The bark is thin, smooth, whitish-grey. Branchlets 4-angled or subalate, puberulous, glabrescent. Leaves simple, sessile, alternate, oblong or obovate, obovate-orbicular, coriaceous, glabrous on maurity, base cuneate or narrow, apex subobtuse or subacute, margin entire. Inflorescence a panicle. Flowers bisexual, pink, rose or white. Fruit a dehiscent capsule, suborbicular, clawed, 4-6 valved. Seeds winged.
