What are the other names for crape myrtle? This article will tell you
Other names
The crape myrtle is a woody plant of the small tree or deciduous shrub type, and has other names such as "hundred-day red", "mantanghong", "mosquito flower" and "tickle tree".
Morphological characteristics
The crape myrtle tree grows up to about 7 m tall, and the bark of the tree is gray or brown with a relatively smooth feel; most branches grow twisted, and the twigs are rather slender.
The leaves of the crape myrtle are papery leaves that are obovate or (elliptic, broadly oblong) round.
Crape myrtle flowers come in rich colors such as rose red, deep pink, bright red, purple and white, and the diameter of the flowers is about 3-4 cm. The flowering period is usually in the flower-scarce autumn and lasts a long time, which is why it is also called "hundred-day red".
Growth habits
The crape myrtle is suitable for growing in a warm, humid, sunny environment, and can also tolerate a semi-shaded environment.
Its growth requires sufficient fertilizer, and the planting soil is best a fertile, deep sandy soil; both acidic soil and calcareous soil are acceptable.
In terms of moisture, the crape myrtle is best planted in moist soil and has a certain adaptability to dry environments, but it is afraid of waterlogging, so when planting in the ground, one must not choose low-lying, wet spots with a high groundwater table.
The crape myrtle also has a relatively strong resistance to pollution and can, to a certain extent, resist pollution from sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and chlorine gas.
Value and uses
Ornamental value: The crape myrtle flower has long had the fine name "hundred-day red", and the flowers, roots and trunks in bonsai made from it all have good ornamental value. Crape myrtles planted in courtyards, parks and along roads also have a good landscaping function.
Use value: The trunk of the crape myrtle tree is hard in material and good in rot resistance, and can be used as timber for furniture, buildings and farm tools.
Medicinal value: After the leaves of the crape myrtle are used as medicine, they can dispel wind and dissipate stasis, and also have effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping bleeding and reducing swelling.
Flower language
The crape myrtle flower represents "addicted love", and also has different symbolic meanings such as "good luck", "woman" and "eloquence".