Here’s a complete Planting & Training Manual Entry for Lagerstroemia speciosa—a valuable native tree species in the Philippines known for its medicinal benefits, ornamental value, and reforestation potential.
Lagerstroemia speciosa Common Names: Banabá, Queen’s Crape Myrtle, Giant Crape Myrtle Family: Lythraceae Native to: Philippines and Southeast Asia Tree Type: Deciduous, flowering, medicinal tree
1. Key Characteristics
Height: 10–20 meters at maturity
Leaves: Broad, oval, with reddish or purple tinge when young
Flowers: Showy pink to lavender clusters (April–June)
Fruits: Capsule with winged seeds
Root system: Deep and moderately spreading
2. Agroforestry & Environmental Uses
Function
Application
Medicinal crop
Leaves and bark used in herbal medicine
Ornamental tree
Roadsides, parks, and gardens
Reforestation
Native species ideal for restoration efforts
Soil improvement
Deciduous nature improves soil organic matter
3. Site Requirements
Factor
Ideal Condition
Climate
Tropical, humid (rainfall: 1,500–3,000 mm/year)
Altitude
0–1,200 meters above sea level
Soil
Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam
Light
Full sunlight (essential for flowering)
4. Propagation
A. By Seed
Seed Collection: From mature dry capsules
Germination: 7–15 days
Nursery Stage: 3–5 months until 30–50 cm tall
B. By Stem Cuttings (less common)
Semi-hardwood cuttings under mist with rooting hormone
5. Planting Guidelines
Practice
Recommendation
Spacing
4–6 meters (for forest or ornamental use)
Planting Hole
40 x 40 x 40 cm with compost
Planting Season
Early rainy season (May–July)
Mulching
Maintain soil moisture, suppress weeds
6. Care and Maintenance
Activity
Details
Weeding
Every 2 months in first 2 years
Pruning
Light pruning to shape and encourage branching
Watering
Weekly during dry season; drought-tolerant when mature
Fertilizing
Organic compost or NPK (14-14-14) yearly
7. Medicinal Uses (Banabá Leaves)
Blood sugar regulation – contains corosolic acid and ellagitannins
Weight management – traditional detox and fat-burning aid
Diuretic – promotes healthy kidney and urinary function
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory – for skin, gut, and heart health
Common preparations: Banabá tea, decoctions, capsules
8. Precautions
Avoid overwatering or planting in waterlogged soils
May be slow-growing in dense shade—plant in open sunlight
Young shoots can be browsed by goats or livestock—fence if needed
