Pride of India

Scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 57.45″ N, 64° 49′ 51.08″ W

Medicinal Uses

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) is traditionally used across Southeast Asia for diabetes, weight loss, kidney/urinary issues, and inflammation, with leaves, bark, and roots offering benefits like lowering blood sugar (due to corosolic acid), acting as antioxidants, relieving pain, and treating diarrhea, although scientific evidence strongly supports its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties, with ongoing research exploring its full potential.

Key Medicinal Uses & Properties:

Diabetes & Blood Sugar: Most studied for its ability to reduce blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity, primarily from corosolic acid in the leaves.
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Rich in flavonoids and tannins, it protects against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Weight Management: Promotes weight loss by potentially boosting metabolism and helping with fat reduction.
Kidney & Urinary Health: Used for kidney inflammation, bladder issues, and urinary tract infections.
Gastrointestinal: Bark and leaves used for diarrhea, stomachaches, and abdominal discomfort.
Cardiovascular: Helps lower cholesterol and manage hypertension.
Other Uses: Pain relief, fever reduction (antipyretic), decongestion, wound healing (poultices), and treating mouth ulcers.

Plant Parts & Applications:

Leaves: Most common for diabetes (tea/extracts), weight loss, and urinary issues.
Bark: Used for diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and as a purgative.
Roots: Used as astringent, stimulant, and for stomach ailments.

Important Considerations:

Scientific Support: Strong evidence for anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects; other uses require more research.
Active Compounds: Corosolic acid and ellagic acid are key bioactive compounds.

Observations:

Phenological Markers- Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

Common Names: Pride of India, Queen’s Crape Myrtle, Banabá, Giant Crape Myrtle
Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa
Family: Lythraceae
Native Range: Tropical and subtropical Asia (India, Philippines, Southeast Asia); widely cultivated in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands

General Description:

Lagerstroemia speciosa is a deciduous, flowering tree valued for its large, showy panicles of purple-to-pink flowers, smooth bark, and graceful form. It is commonly used in tropical landscapes as a shade tree or seasonal color feature. Unlike its smaller cousin (L. indica), this species grows much taller and has a true tree form, making it ideal for arboretum collections and ornamental avenues.

Phenological Markers:

1. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

New Leaf Emergence: Late winter to early spring (February – April)
Leaf Maturity: Mid spring (April – May)
Leaf Senescence: Late fall to early winter (October – December)
Leaf Characteristics: Large, oblong to elliptic leaves, turning yellow to reddish before shedding

2. Flowering Period:

First Sign of Budding: Late spring (April – May)
Peak Bloom: Summer (June – August)
End of Flowering: Early fall (September)
Flower Characteristics: Large terminal panicles of crinkled, crepe-like flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or purple; each flower has six petals with wrinkled margins

3. Fruit Production:

First Sign of Fruit Development: Mid to late summer (July – August)
Fruit Maturity: Fall (September – October)
End of Fruiting: Early winter (November)
Fruit Characteristics: Brown, woody capsules that split open into six segments; seeds are winged and dispersed by wind

4. Dormancy Period:

Dormancy Begins: Winter (December – January), with full leaf drop in dry or cool conditions
Dormancy Ends: Early spring (February – March), signaled by new leaf flush

Ecological Notes:

Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects
Wildlife Interaction: Winged seeds are wind-dispersed; flowers provide nectar to pollinators
Soil Preferences: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; drought-tolerant once established
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded canopy with smooth, mottled bark; height typically 30–60 feet

Observational Guidelines:

Best Time for Observation: April through October for leaf, flower, and fruit tracking
Key Markers to Photograph:
- New leaf flush and color transitions
- Full flowering panicles and individual blooms
- Woody fruit capsules and seed dispersal
- Bark exfoliation patterns (striking in mature trees)
Phenology Triggers: Flowering is closely tied to heat and moisture; heavy bloom follows dry seasons or early rains

ArbNet Qualification Notes:

Lagerstroemia speciosa qualifies under ArbNet criteria as a mature, single-trunk, woody tree, with strong ornamental value and documented use in tropical and subtropical urban forestry.