Description: A medium to large deciduous tree with smooth bark and large clusters of showy pink to purple flowers.

Identification: Large opposite leaves; smooth mottled bark; conspicuous crinkled flowers; woody capsules.

Habitat & distribution: Tropical Asia, including India. It commonly occurs in moist tropical environments.

Uses / importance: Popular ornamental and avenue tree. Provides flowers for pollinators and is important in tropical landscapes.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Myrtales
Family – Lythraceae
Genus – Lagerstroemia
Species – L. speciosa

Sources: Kew POWO; India Biodiversity Portal.