Lagerstroemia speciosa
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| Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. |
Lagerstroemia speciosa (Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen's Crape-myrtle or Banaba Plant) is a species of Lagerstroemia native to tropical southern Asia. It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 20 m tall, with smooth, flaky bark. The leaves are deciduous, oval to elliptic, 8-15 cm long and 3-7 cm broad, with an acute apex. The flowers are produced in erect panicles 20-40 cm long, each flower with six white to purple petals 2-3.5 cm long.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
It is grown in South East Asia, India and the Philippines. It is used to control glucose levels of Type II diabetes patients. It will lower blood glucose levels and as a side effect it may also cause weight reduction.
It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas.
[edit] References
- Flora of Pakistan: Lagerstroemia speciosa
- Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening 3: 10.
