Common Name:

General Information

Lagerstroemia microcarpa is a large deciduous tree. The bole can be unbranched for 16 - 24 metres[].
A valuable and important timber tree, much in request, and giving one of the best of the woods of Western India[]. It is gathered from the wild for local use and is also traded internationally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India.

Habitat

Deciduous and dry evergreen forests, often associated with teak, at elevations up to 1,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	0.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,300 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 - 35°c, but can tolerate 10 - 45°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about 5°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,000 - 4,000mm, but tolerates 750 - 5,000mm[].
Seedlings benefit from light shade and are capable of bearing considerable shade, but later the tree is best grown in full light[]. Grows best in a well-drained, light to medium, fertile soil, but can tolerate a range of soil types[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].
A moderately fast-growing tree[].
Trees respond well to coppicing[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is red or reddish-brown. The wood is moderately hard, not durable in the open, liable to split. It is used for construction, ship building, coffee cases, furniture etc[, ].

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 - sow in a nursery seedbed with some shade[].

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