Banaba is known in the English language as “Queen’s flower” which is derived from the specific epithets ‘reginae’ or ‘flosreginae’, meaning “imperial or flower of the queen”. This tree is also known as the “Crape myrtle” which refers to flowers that look like delicate crape paper.
Dried leaves and fruits from the Banaba tree is used in making herbal teas. Flowers are used for garnishing dishes, and as ingredients in salads, soups, desserts, and drinks.
The leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa are well-known for its therapeutic qualities. The plant contains corosolic acid, which is thought to have anti-diabetic effects, and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including diabetes and kidney disorders.
Gardeners who want to create butterfly-friendly landscapes love Lagerstroemia speciosa because of its vivid and numerous blossoms, which attract butterflies.
The nutrient-rich leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa are fed to animals as an additional food source and are also utilized as cattle fodder.
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