Herb: Crepe Myrtle


Latin name: Lagerstroemia indica


Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)



Medicinal use of Crepe Myrtle:

The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant and styptic. The bark, flowers and leaves are considered to be hydrogogue and a drastic purgative. A paste of the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds. The root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic. A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Open grassy places and on cliffs at low altitudes, also on forest edges.

Other uses of Crepe Myrtle:

Wood - hard. A useful timber.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. Another report says to sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair to good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood in the winter in a frame. Root cuttings 4cm long in December. High percentage.

Cultivation of Crepe Myrtle:

Open grassy places and on cliffs at low altitudes, also on forest edges.

Known hazards of Lagerstroemia indica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.