Manimaruthu (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) Medicinal Plant

Manimaruthu is a Small medium sized tree growing up to 20mts tall. Nativity of South east Asia. The tree species widely commercial for ornamental purposes and as roadside trees. This species is very appreciated in the horticulture market for its large, showy, bright pink to lavender flower. The flower of this tree blooms ones in a year .

Manimaruthu is mentioned as Bodhi in Theravada Buddhism. A preparation from the dried leaves known as banaba its widely used in Philippines to treat in Diabetes& Urinary Problem. The fruit are used India to cure mouth ulcers. The roots are also considered astringent and the seeds narcotic.