Lagerstroemia indica

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  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia indica
  • Genus: Lagerstroemia
  • Synonym: Lagerstroemia indica var. alba Ram.Goyena
  • Common/Local Name(s): Crape myrtle
  • Family: Lythraceae
  • Botanical Description: Lagerstroemia indica is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or large shrub. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 meters (10-25 feet), although some cultivars can be smaller or larger. The leaves are simple, opposite or whorled, and ovate to elliptic in shape. They are dark green during the growing season and turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The bark is smooth and peels off in thin flakes, revealing a mottled appearance with shades of brown, gray, and tan. The flowers are one of the main attractions of Lagerstroemia indica. They are borne in large, showy panicles that can be up to 20 cm (8 inches) long. The flowers have crinkled petals, resembling crepe paper, and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. The blooming period typically lasts from late spring to early fall. The fruit is a small, brown capsule that splits open when mature to release small, winged seeds.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering usually occurs from June to September.
  • Plant Uses: Ornamental.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: University of Port Harcourt Abuja Campus.
  • Habit: Tree
  • Mode: Wild

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