Lagerstroemia speciosa

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen's Crape-myrtle, Banabá Plant, or Pride of India) is a species of Lagerstroemia native to tropical southern Asia.

Growth

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.

Cultivation and uses

It is grown in South East Asia, India and the Philippines.

It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas.

Banaba extract is used as a natural health supplement and is made from the leaves of the banaba tree. Some research suggests that banaba extract may support blood sugar balance and weight loss. The primary active ingredient is corosolic acid, and there are also numerous possible synergists including lager-stroemin, flosin B and reginin A.[http://www.smart-publications.com/weight_loss/banaba_extract.php]

Banaba Tea The leaves of the Banaba and other parts are used widely by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan as a Tea preparation. This tea is consumed as a natural means for a variety of reasons involving the kidneys, such as dissolving kidney stones, kidney cleanses, and kidney health in general. Research being conducted in Japan shows much promise for this plant and its potential uses in the medical community.

Translation

The phrase "Lagerstroemia speciosa" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Spanish, French.

Translation(s) in other languages: Bengali: জারুল, German: Königinblume, Hindi: जरुल, Malayalam: പൂമരുത്, Japanese: バナバ, Portuguese: Resedá-gigante, Tagalog: Banaba, Thai: อินทนิลน้ำ, Vietnamese: Bằng lăng, Chinese: 大花紫薇.