Lythraceae - Botanical Family

Lagerstroemia floribunda is Provincial tree of Saraburi province; one of the central provinces of Thailand. This a rare Crepe Myrtle with pink flowers which appear along the branches.

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, or a small tree that can reach between 10-20 feet in height. It is native to Australia, Asia and the Pacific. This deciduous plant is a great choice for gardens as it blooms for a long period of time, from 3-4 month and the profuse flowering begins even when the plant is very small. The flowers come in shades of white, off-white, pink, blue, lavender, purple, red and crimson and have a light but sweet fragrance. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them an eye-catching addition to any garden.

This shrub prefers full sun and regular watering to really thrive. In USDA Zone 7-10. The plant is also tolerant of seaside and salt conditions, making it suitable to grow even in seaside gardens.

When growing Crape Myrtle in a pot, or in cooler climates, there are a few precautions that one should take. The pot should be well-draining and the soil should contain plenty of organic matter to keep it moist. In addition, the plant should be protected from strong winds and some shade should be provided during the hottest parts of the day.

It is endemic to Langkawi Island, Western Malaysia.

Lagerstroemia speciosa is a small, deciduous tree that grows 10 to 20 feet tall and wide. This plant is native to India and is easily grown in full sun and with regular water. It loves the warm humid climates of USDA Zones 10 to 11. It is flood tolerant and highly ornamental, with beautiful pink, lavender, and purplish-pink flowers that bloom in summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. It's a great way to add color and interest to any garden and is considered an ethnomedical plant for its medicinal merits.

In cooler climates, Lagerstroemia speciosa is often grown in large containers and moved indoors for the winter. When growing in containers, use a potting soil that drains well. Make sure to water regularly and fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer like any other flowering plant. Gradually reduce watering prior to the onset of winter. Prune the tree in the spring once it's fully leafed out. Since Crapes are a fast-growing tree, you'll need to prune throughout the season to shape and size the tree as desired. In colder regions, the plant should be moved indoors before temperatures reach the low 30s F and kept in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, such as a cool, south-facing window. Keep an eye on the temperature of the room; temperatures below 50 F can cause the tree to go dormant. Regularly mist the foliage to maintain humidity. When the weather warms, move the tree outdoors into dappled sunlight and start to acclimate it to the sun.

Habitat: hot, semi-arid regions. Small clusters of white fragrant flowers. Pink variety available. Prefers acid soil. Leaves are used for coloring hair, tattoos. Alcoholic extract of the leaves showed mild anti- bacterial activity.

Pemphis is a very strong tree and can withstand the harsh forces of nature. They have the ability to grow fast and can generate new roots and buds very quickly.

Every aspect of this form is dwarf compared to the basic pomegranate - from its overall size to its finer leaves and smaller flowers and fruits. Due to this - it is a plant especially recommended for miniature bonsai and small styles. Apart from the pomegranate's stunning seasonal orange flowers, it presents so many other notable characteristics. It has a marvelous naturally-twisting style trunk, that very easily adopts a gnarled, ancient appearance - something widely sought in bonsai. Pomegranates can be very easily propagated - so group plantings can be quickly created from quite thick branches taken from a parent plant. If you shade the tree and keep it slightly dry before mid-season, the tree is encouraged to set flowering shoots. Place the pomegranate in a position of good light - but where it is sheltered from frost and not exposed to drying winds. Don't plant the pot in a dish or shallow container. It likes water and flowers well when it is slightly root-bound, so choose a pot that is a bit deeper than usual. This plant does not like hard freeze and is not very hardy. Also be careful when wiring as the branches of the pomegranate are very brittle and break easily. Prefers acidic, well-drained soil.

See Article about Pomegranate.

According to Asian legend, the Pomegranate was the 'tree of life' in the Garden of Eden. Its irresistible appeal, color and legendary medicinal properties have been the object of great fascination. The tiny beads of fruit, full of precious oil and juice, are brilliant as drops of blood or rubies. These "drops of blood" from the pomegranate will help to build healthy red blood cells. The fruit have been consumed by man since before recorded history. There is a saying in Hindi: One pomegranate can serve one hundred sick people. It is a good antioxidant, enriches blood (red blood cells count, haemoglobin), good for heart and blood circulation. The beautiful flowers occur for several months. Cold hardy to 15F, drought-, salt- and poor-soil-tolerant, pomegranates are grown as dense shrubs, popular container plants and bonsai.

Learn more: Pomegranate: healing drops of blood...

See Article about Pomegranate.