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Myanmar Name – Panei

Common Name – Crepeflower

Botanical Name – Lagerstroemia indica L.

Family Name – Lythraceae

Habitat – Native to China and Korea but has been widely introduced and cultivated in warm temperate to tropical regions around the world, including the United States, Australia, and India.

Habit – Typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Depending on the cultivar and growing conditions, it can range from 3 to 8 meters.

Stem – Smooth and exfoliating, peeling off in thin flakes to reveal a patchwork of colors underneath, including shades of gray, brown, and cream.

Leaves – Simple, and opposite  in arrangement. They are ovate to oblong in shape, with entire margins, and measure about 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 inches) long. The leaves are dark green.

Inflorescence – A terminal panicle, which can be quite large, measuring up to 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) in length. The panicles are composed of numerous small, delicate flowers, creating a showy and colorful display.

Flower – Crinkled, crepe-like petals that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, lavender, and purple. Each flower has six petals.

Fruit & Seed – A small, brown capsule that ripens in the fall. The capsule is initially green.

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering time from December to March and fruiting time from March to May.

Usage – Cultivated as an ornamental plant.