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Banaba – Lagerstroemia speciosa
Family: Lythraceae
Description: A tree growing up to 30m tall and a diameter of about 40cm. Bark is gray with slight yellowish lines showing through smooth but very fine longitudinal markings close together . Leaves are simple, opposite, nearly opposite or uppermost alternate without stipules, smooth,quite large, turning yellow and reddish before falling. Flowers are large, very showy, and in large terminal clusters. Fruits are small capsules containing winged seeds.
Distribution: Widely distributed in the Philippines, Malay Peninsula, India, China.
Habitat: In secondary forest at low and medium altitudes.
Economic Importance: Wood used for agricultural implements. Leaves have medicinal value, beautiful flowering ornamental plant.
Ecological Status: Abundant and under cultivation.
