Description
Lagerstroemia indica is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 7 m tall. Leaves are simple, varying from nearly opposite to alternate. In general the leaf blade is about 2.5 to 7 cm long and 1.5 to 4 cm wide, elliptic to nearly circular in outline, with a rounded base and a pointed to notched tip. Leaves are papery to somewhat leathery in texture, with a short petiole up to 2 mm long (or sometimes no petiole). At least in temperate zones, the fall color ranges from yellow to red. The bark is relatively smooth, peeling to reveal greenish to orange patches. Branches are squarish in cross section. Flowers are in branched clusters, termed panicles, at the ends of branches, that are 7 to 20 cm long and pyramidal in shape, produced during the summer. The tube of the flower is 7 to 11 mm long. There are usually six sepals that are 3.5 to 5.5 mm long, and usually six crinkled petals that are pink, purple, red, or white, 1.2 to 2 cm long, narrowed at the base to form a structure called a claw, with a paddle-shaped outline. There are 36 to 42 stamens per flower, of which six are long and spread out. The fruit is a dry, oval capsule that is 1 to 1.3 cm long and 0.7 to 1.2 cm, splitting into 4 to 6 segments. The seeds are winged and are 8 mm long. These mature in the fall and persist throughout winter (Wu et al. 2008; Sibley 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Lagerstroemia indica, its cultivars, and its hybrids are extremely popular as ornamentals. They are often planted in streets, malls, parks, and highway medians (Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez 2014). It can tolerate a wide range of soils with good drainage, but prefers full sun. It grows in USDA zones 6 to 9 (MBG). It is also planted for erosion control (Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez 2014). It is used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine; the leaves are used as a diuretic, and the bark is used to treat infections (Quattrocchi 2012).
Distribution
In its native range, Lagerstroemia indica is found in semi-shaded places and rich fields. It is native to southern to eastern Asia, in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Taiwan, and Japan (Wu et al. 2008). It is commonly cultivated throughout the world in warm areas. It often escapes, and can inhabit a wide variety of habitats from grasslands to rich forests. It has been introduced to Central Africa, South Africa, southeastern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the United States from Ohio and Maryland to Texas, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean Islands, South America, and Australia. It is listed as invasive in South Africa and some Central American and Caribbean countries or territories (Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez 2014).
Status
Lagerstroemia indica is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern”, because it is widespread with a large population, and its population is not known to be decreasing or facing any significant threats (BGCI and GTSG 2018).
References
BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International), and GTSG (IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group). 2018. <i>Lagerstroemia indica.</i> <i>The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</i> <a>https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T136142818A136142820.en</a>.<br><br>MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Lagerstroemia indica. <i>Plant Finder</i>. [accessed 2022 Aug 25]. <a>https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282496</a><br><br>Quattrocchi, U. 2012. <i>CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology</i>. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.<br><br>Rojas-Sandoval, J., and Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2014. Lagerstroemia indica <br>(Indian crape myrtle). <i>Invasive Species Compendium</i>. <a>www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/29669</a><br><br>Sibley, D. A. 2009. <i>The Sibley Guide to Trees</i>. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.<br><br>Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2008. <i>Flora of China. Vol. 13 (Clusiaceae through Araliaceae)</i>. Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
