This impressive flowering tree is Pride of India, Lagerstroemia speciosa.

It is known for its large clusters of crinkled flowers, which may be pink, lavender, purple, or occasionally nearly white. Each flower has delicate, ruffled petals that look almost like crepe paper, which is why members of this genus are often called crepe myrtles.

The leaves are large, smooth, and arranged opposite one another along the branches. Before falling, they may turn shades of yellow, orange, or red, adding another season of color.

After flowering, the tree produces rounded woody capsules filled with winged seeds. These capsules often remain on the branches after the flowers have disappeared.

Pride of India is native to tropical parts of Asia but is widely planted in warm climates around the world. It grows into a substantial shade tree and is valued for both its broad canopy and its spectacular flowering display.

Despite its common name, it should not be confused with the smaller ornamental shrub sometimes also called Pride of India. The scientific name, Lagerstroemia speciosa, identifies this particular large-flowered tropical tree.