Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Native to China, the Crape Myrtle is known for its colorful flowers which appear in the summer months. This tree is very popular in modern landscaping.
Lagerstroemia indica
Native to China, the Crape Myrtle is known for its colorful flowers which appear in the summer months. This tree is very popular in modern landscaping.
About the Crape Myrtle
http://forestry.about.com/od/forestphotogalleries/ig/Crapemyrtle/Crepemyrtle-Leaf.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagerstroemia http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e265 |
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In depth...
Basic Description
-Spread: 15-25 ft
-Crown Uniformity: symmetrical canopy; vase shape; moderate density
-Growth: medium rate
Foliage
-Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
-Leaf type: simple
-Leaf margin: entire
-Leaf shape: elliptic, oblong, obovate
-Venation: pinnate
-Leaf length: 2-4in
-Color: green; orange, red, yellow, showy in the fall
Fruit
-Shape: oval, round, small
-Fruit covering/color: dry/hard; brown
-Characteristics: does not attract wildlife, persistent, showy
Trunk/Branches
-Trunk/bark/branches: bark is thin and easily damaged. Requires pruning
-Twig color: brown, green
http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/laginda.pdf
http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/MizellRF/crape_myrtle.htm
-Spread: 15-25 ft
-Crown Uniformity: symmetrical canopy; vase shape; moderate density
-Growth: medium rate
Foliage
-Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
-Leaf type: simple
-Leaf margin: entire
-Leaf shape: elliptic, oblong, obovate
-Venation: pinnate
-Leaf length: 2-4in
-Color: green; orange, red, yellow, showy in the fall
Fruit
-Shape: oval, round, small
-Fruit covering/color: dry/hard; brown
-Characteristics: does not attract wildlife, persistent, showy
Trunk/Branches
-Trunk/bark/branches: bark is thin and easily damaged. Requires pruning
-Twig color: brown, green
http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/laginda.pdf
http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/MizellRF/crape_myrtle.htm
Ethnobotany
Originally hailing from China, the Crape Myrtle was introduced to England when it arrived from its native home first in the late 1700s. Typically grown in warm climates, the usually brightly-colored plant did not bloom its crepe-like petaled flowers in England's cool climate, which left people unimpressed. Since then, the Crape Myrtle has been one of the most historically prevalent species in the southern United States, becoming a symbol for the south. The Crape Myrtle has been cultivated in the United States for over 175 years ornamentally, as a favorite of landscapers. Throughout history the Crape Myrtle has been used for landscaping and as a beautiful decorative plant.
Although mainly used ornamentally, the Crape Myrtle also has been used medicinally over the years. Although none of the plant is edible, many parts of it can be used as medicine. Paste made from the flowers can be used to heal cuts and wounds while the roots act as a diuretic. Cosmetically, an infusion of the Crape Myrtle can help oily skin become clean and dry. The stems of the plant are used to reduce fevers and stop bleeding of small cuts. The seeds, if cooked, have plenty of fiber, making them perfect for weight loss.
Although mainly used ornamentally, the Crape Myrtle also has been used medicinally over the years. Although none of the plant is edible, many parts of it can be used as medicine. Paste made from the flowers can be used to heal cuts and wounds while the roots act as a diuretic. Cosmetically, an infusion of the Crape Myrtle can help oily skin become clean and dry. The stems of the plant are used to reduce fevers and stop bleeding of small cuts. The seeds, if cooked, have plenty of fiber, making them perfect for weight loss.
Current Research
In a study done in Korea, scientists investigated "whether the Lagerstroemia indica Linn (Ll) extract has an inflammatory effect on lung inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice" (Yang, page 422). The extract of the plant was dried and powdered using ethanol and tested on the mice. In the study, the extract showed decreased asthma causing agents in the mice due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The results proved that the extract can be used as a very valuable agent to help treat asthma-related and allergenic diseases.
In a study published in 2011, done in Beijing, China, scientists investigated crape myrtle germplasm and their genetic diversity. The researchers analyzed fifty crape myrtle cultivars and DNA fingerprinted them to determine their genetic similarities. The study showed multiple repeats and patterns in DNA sequences, proving a close relation between the Lagerstoemia indica and other Lagerstroemia.
A study done in 2008 tested resistance among the Crape Myrtle to feeding by adult flea beetles. Being tested among other species of Lagerstroemia, the Crape Myrtle showed to be more susceptible to attack and damage by the beetles (Cabrera). When compared to the other species, the damage done by the beetles on the plant was much more drastic. The study was done in a nursery setting, with the different plant species and the flea beetles. Twelve cultivars were used, no larger than 20ft tall each; hybrids and non-hybrid species alike. The lagerstroemia indica was quickly infested by the beetles, damaging the leaves right away. The data was then collected, and new studies were done on both older and younger leaves. Observers rated the damage, and then collected the leaves for research. The results showed an average of 7.4 beetles per leaf in the lagerstroemia indica with 79% leaf damage.
The University of Memphis conducted a recent study where scientists blended Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle to investigate the "acute effects of a nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle on serum glucose and insulin in response to a modified glucose tolerance test" (Canale). By using a randomized, double-blind test, 10 exercise-trained men fasted for 10 hours on two different days, only ingesting the solution created, or a placebo. The results showed that the men who ingested the placebo had higher glucose levels than the men who ingested the solution. The conclusion came out to be that a dietary supplement with the blend of the two plants can lower serum-glucose.
In a study published in 2011, done in Beijing, China, scientists investigated crape myrtle germplasm and their genetic diversity. The researchers analyzed fifty crape myrtle cultivars and DNA fingerprinted them to determine their genetic similarities. The study showed multiple repeats and patterns in DNA sequences, proving a close relation between the Lagerstoemia indica and other Lagerstroemia.
A study done in 2008 tested resistance among the Crape Myrtle to feeding by adult flea beetles. Being tested among other species of Lagerstroemia, the Crape Myrtle showed to be more susceptible to attack and damage by the beetles (Cabrera). When compared to the other species, the damage done by the beetles on the plant was much more drastic. The study was done in a nursery setting, with the different plant species and the flea beetles. Twelve cultivars were used, no larger than 20ft tall each; hybrids and non-hybrid species alike. The lagerstroemia indica was quickly infested by the beetles, damaging the leaves right away. The data was then collected, and new studies were done on both older and younger leaves. Observers rated the damage, and then collected the leaves for research. The results showed an average of 7.4 beetles per leaf in the lagerstroemia indica with 79% leaf damage.
The University of Memphis conducted a recent study where scientists blended Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle to investigate the "acute effects of a nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle on serum glucose and insulin in response to a modified glucose tolerance test" (Canale). By using a randomized, double-blind test, 10 exercise-trained men fasted for 10 hours on two different days, only ingesting the solution created, or a placebo. The results showed that the men who ingested the placebo had higher glucose levels than the men who ingested the solution. The conclusion came out to be that a dietary supplement with the blend of the two plants can lower serum-glucose.
Creative essay
The Crape Myrtle is a beautiful tree, serving as a favorite of Southerners, who use its crepe-like petals to decorate their homes. A warm-weather native, this plant thrives in heat, blooming to show its colorful, showy flowers. The Crape Myrtle, although native to China, is used for landscaping all over the United States. It's a very colorful tree/shrub, with its leaves changing color in the fall. The fruit of the tree, although unnatractive to animals, is still showy and persistant throughout the year, so even when the leaves have fallen in the winter, the fruit still is there. The Crape Myrtle requires pruning and is some-what high matenance, but it is a favorite of gardeners. I like this shrub because it is colorful and beautiful even when not in bloom. This plant reminds me a lot of the south. Not only is it a symbol for the south, but it reminds me of the beautiful gardens and homes seen in that area of the United States.
Apa/sources used
Eun Ju Yang, Ji-Sook Lee, Bo Bae Song, Chi-Young Yun, Dong-Hee Kim, In Sik Kim. (July 2011). Anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract from Lagerstroemia indica on airway inflammation on mice
Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411000423X
Chappell, Matthew R; Braman, S. Kris; Williams-Woodward, Jean L; Knox, Gary W. (2012). Crapemyrtle
Retrieved from: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/nursery/ipm/book_files/chapter_6
Miller, Carol Bishop. (Sept/Oct 2001) CRAPE MYRTLES: The Next Generation
retrieved from:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?vid=2&sid=cdeaed59-55dc-40eb-b2ee-1ea408a45453%40sessionmgr13&hid=5&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=aph&AN=5016382
Cai, Ming. Pan, Hui-Tang. Wang, Xue-Feng. He, Dan. Wang, Xiao-Yu. Wang, Xiao-Jiao. Zhang, Qi-Xiang. (Nov 22, 2011). Scientia Horticulturae.
Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423811005048?
Cabrera, Raul I., Reinert, James A., McKenney, Cynthia B. (April 2008) Hort Science vol 43: 403-407; Differential Resistance Among Crape Myrtle Species, Hybrids, and Cultivars to Foliar Feeding by Adult Flea Beetles
Retrieved from: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/43/2/403.full
Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411000423X
Chappell, Matthew R; Braman, S. Kris; Williams-Woodward, Jean L; Knox, Gary W. (2012). Crapemyrtle
Retrieved from: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/nursery/ipm/book_files/chapter_6
Miller, Carol Bishop. (Sept/Oct 2001) CRAPE MYRTLES: The Next Generation
retrieved from:
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?vid=2&sid=cdeaed59-55dc-40eb-b2ee-1ea408a45453%40sessionmgr13&hid=5&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=aph&AN=5016382
Cai, Ming. Pan, Hui-Tang. Wang, Xue-Feng. He, Dan. Wang, Xiao-Yu. Wang, Xiao-Jiao. Zhang, Qi-Xiang. (Nov 22, 2011). Scientia Horticulturae.
Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423811005048?
Cabrera, Raul I., Reinert, James A., McKenney, Cynthia B. (April 2008) Hort Science vol 43: 403-407; Differential Resistance Among Crape Myrtle Species, Hybrids, and Cultivars to Foliar Feeding by Adult Flea Beetles
Retrieved from: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/43/2/403.full