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

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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.

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