| Binomial |
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. |
| Family |
Lythraceae |
| Tamil Name |
கதலி (Kadali) |
| Habit |
Small deciduous woody tree, leaves turn orange-red prior to shedding |
| Bark |
Bark creamy – brown to light grey, smooth and peeling in papery flakes |
| Flowers |
Conspicuous, papery-wrinkled and crepe-like, pinkish–purple, fading white,
elongated panicle inflorescence |
| Fruits |
Globose, woody, dehiscent capsules |
| Flowering Period |
Several times per year |
| Pollinators |
Bee |
| Native to tropical Southern Asia |
The name Lagerstroemia recognizes Magnus von Lagerstroem, a Swedish naturalist who provided specimens from the East for Linnaeus who first described the genus. The trees are widely cultivated for the beautiful blossoms in gardens and avenues. The fruit is used in India to cure mouth ulcers. The roots are also considered astringent and
seed narcotic. A leaf poultice is used to relief malarial fever. A preparation from dried leaves, known as “banaba” is widely used across Asia to treat diabetes and urinary problems. |
| Location on campus: |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pSasVThA3RHyRXBV9 |
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