This small deciduous tree has a smooth grey mottled trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has slightly glossy green oblong leaves that turn red before falling and the mauve-white saucer-shaped flowers appear in clusters in summer. 

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Lagerstroemia speciosa is naturally found from south-east Asia to India, China, New Guinea and northern Australia growing in shrubland in well drained humus rich moist soils that are tending acidic. It prefers a open sunny wind protected position and is drought and frost tender but it has a low salt tolerance. 

Queen's Crepe Myrtle is grown for its flowers and its rounded habit. It is planted along borders in gardens or parks for screening and summer shade. It is also used in commercial sites establishing in 3 to 5 years and is suitable inland regions. It is planted as a street tree and used in tropical settings. The timber is resistant to salt and is used in boat construction with simular properties of Teak and the polished wood is used in panelling. ID 2914

Lagerstroemia (lahg-er-STREEM-ee-a) speciosa (spee-SEE-o-sa)

Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee)
Loosestrife, Pomegranate, Water Chestnut, Crepe Myrtle, Mangrove Apple