Definition

Noun: * Crape myrtle, crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica: A species of flowering plant, specifically a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to eastern Asia (including parts of India, China, and Korea). It is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions, such as the southern United States, for its showy, long-lasting summer blooms, attractive bark, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden's focal point was a mature Lagerstroemia indica with brilliant pink flowers.
  • Lagerstroemia indica is prized for its resistance to heat and drought.
  • We planted several Lagerstroemia indica shrubs along the driveway for summer color.

Advanced Usage

• In Horticulture and Botany: The term is used precisely to denote the specific species within the genus . It distinguishes this common ornamental plant from other, less frequently cultivated species in the same genus.
  • While several Lagerstroemia species exist, Lagerstroemia indica is by far the most popular in cultivation.

Variants and Related Words

• Crape myrtle / Crepe myrtle (n): The most common common name for , referring to the crinkled, crepe-paper-like texture of its flowers.
• Genus Lagerstroemia (n): The taxonomic genus to which this plant belongs, containing approximately 50 species of trees and shrubs.

Synonyms

• Crape myrtle (n)
• Crepe myrtle (n)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Ornamental shrub (n): A descriptive term for its primary use in landscaping.
• Deciduous (adj): Describes its nature of losing leaves seasonally.
• Showy blooms (n): Describes its prominent and colorful flowers.

Noun

1. ornamental shrub from eastern India commonly planted in the southern United States