The Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.)
a Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Site
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Crape myrtle uses |
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While the genus Lagerstroemia is mostly associated with its use as a woody ornamental shrub or small tree in U.S. and Europe, there are several species that have other commercial uses. For instance, timber or wood from L. speciosa L. and L. piriformis Kohene, with qualities and characteristics similar to teak, is highly prized in the world market, bringing premium prices. L. speciosa (L.) Pers. has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries as a medicinal plant, particularly in the treatment of diabetes. The large leaves of this plant, called banaba, are dried, ground and made into a tea that until recently has been confirmed to have chemical properties and effects similar to those of insulin, that is, it helps regulate blood sugar levels in people. It is reported that clinical trials are being conducted in Japan, Philippines and the US (Florida). |
Table 3. Common and commercial uses of Lagerstroemia
species.
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Species |
Uses |
Comments |
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L. balansae Koehne (Tabek) |
Timber |
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L. borneensis Furtado & Srisuko |
Timber |
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L. duperreana Pierre |
Timber |
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L. fauriei
Koehne |
Ornamental |
This fairly rare species (native to small Japanese island) has brought cold hardiness and powdery mildew resistance to its hybrids with L. indica |
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L. floribunda Jack sec. Griff. |
Timber |
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L. hirsuta Lamark |
Ornamental |
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L. indica L. |
Ornamental |
Major ornamental species with large number of cultivars and selections, plus newer hybrids with L. fauriei. |
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L. koehneana K. Schumann |
Timber |
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L. limii Merr.
(and/or L. chekiangensis) |
Ornamental |
Of recent ornamental interest due to its attractive large leaves. |
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L. microcarpa Wright |
Tannin Extraction |
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L. moluccana Furtado & Srisuko |
Timber |
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L. ovalifoloia Teijsm & Binnend |
Timber |
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L. parviflora Roxb. |
Tannin Extraction, Silk Worm Food |
Leaves are used as food for the Indian tussur silkworm moth (Antheraea mylitta Drury) and the Atlas silkworm moth (Atlacus mylitta L.). |
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L. paniculata (Turcz.) S. Vidal |
Timber |
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L. piriformis Koehne |
Timber |
Premium timber |
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L. speciosa (L.)
Pers. |
Ornamental, Medicinal, Timber & Tannin Extraction |
Most versatile of all species. Priced as ornamental and for premium timber production in subtropical areas. Only species with known and tested medicinal properties, mainly in blood glucose regulation. |
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L. subcostata Koehne |
Timber |
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