Lagerstroemia native to tropical southern Asia. It is a small to medium-sized tree growing up to 20 m tall. Also named -L. flos-reginae [flower queen] The plant is named in honor of the Director of the Swedish East India Company Lagerstroem. The word "speciosa" meaning splendid. Flower is pink with brown pods at the end. Petals is crepe liked. I have read that some part of the tree is toxic. African hunters have boiled the seeds to extract poison for their arrowsThe leaves of this plant is more commonly known as banaba. This is a form of local cure traditionally consumed by Philippinos. It is said to include cure for treatment of diabetes and kidney related diseases. Roots are used for stomach problems. Banaba helps the body in handling glucose and is as such also effective in weight loss.