Common Name:

General Information

Lagerstroemia parviflora is a large, deciduous tree that can grow 30 metres or more tall[, ]. The bole can be up to 70cm in diameter[].
The tree is valued for its timber, which is one of the best found in the mixed forests of India, and is also harvested from the wild as a source of tannins[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar.

Habitat

Deciduous forests, especially in dry, mixed forests, in most parts of India except the dryer areas[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical areas, where it is found at elevations up to 1,000 metres[]. It grows best in areas where the mean minimum temperature does not fall below 20°c, and the mean maximum is no higher than 35°c, though it can tolerate a low down to 4°c and maximum to 47°c[]. Mature trees are fairly frost-hardy, although young seedlings are very frost-tender[]. It prefers a climate with a distinct dry season, growing best where the mean annual rainfall is in the range 1,500 - 3,500mm, but tolerating a range of 750 - 4,500mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a medium soil, but also succeeds in sands and in clays if they are well-drained[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, but can tolerate 4.5 - 7.5[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fairly slow-growing tree[].
Trees respond well to coppicing and pollarding, regrowing vigourously[].
Trees are rarely, if ever, eaten by cattle[].

Edible Uses

An edible gum is obtained from the tree[]. A sweet flavour[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[, ]. It can be used as a black dye[, ].

A fibre obtained from the bark is sometimes used to make a rough rope[, ].

A gum is obtained from the tree[].

The heartwood is grey or greyish brown, often almost red, with a darker coloured area near the centre[]. Large
trees are often hollow in the centre, whilst the timber has the fault of splitting a good deal near the centre. The wood is very hard, durable. The timber, which is known locally as 'Sida' is used for general carpentry, and is widely employed locally for house posts, beams and rafters, door and window frames, carts, boats and agricultural implements[, , ]. Some very high-class cabinet work has been executed, with this wood suggesting that it is far too valuable a wood to be used for common purposes[].
An excellent fuel tree, it gives a good charcoal[].

We have no more specific information on the wood of this species, but the following is a general description of wood from this genus:-
The heartwood is light red to reddish brown, darkening on exposure; the sapwood is light yellow brown to greyish white, rather wide[]. The grain is usually straight; texture moderately fine to rather coarse; rather lustrous; without distinctive odour or taste. It is generally classified as moderately durable and somewhat resistant to termites, although the sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack. It saws and works well; finishes to a smooth surface; and takes a good polish. It is used for making furniture, interior joinery, boatbuilding, general construction, parquet flooring and panelling[].

Propagation

Seed - in some years virtually none of the seed germinates, though in some years germination can be very good[]. Sow the seed in a nursery seedbed with some shade. Growth is relatively fast, seedlings can reach a height of 30cm within 12 months, by which time they are ready to plant out.

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