1. Medicinal Value and Compounds of the Crape Myrtle Tree
The wood of the crape myrtle tree is hard and rot-resistant, making it an excellent choice for use in farm tools, furniture, and construction.
The crape myrtle tree has many uses, and its entire structure is valuable. It can be used for ornamental purposes, medicinal purposes, air purification, and lumber production. Its wide range of uses is unmatched by ordinary flowers and trees. Planting crape myrtle in your home will enhance and enhance the beauty of your home.
2. Medicinal Uses of Crape Myrtle Branches
Crape myrtle branches can take root when soaked in water. After placing crape myrtle branches in water, the water base used for hydroponics will become contaminated and unusable over time. It needs to be replaced promptly to prevent the crape myrtle from dying due to the inadequate water base. Unlike daffodils, crape myrtles require regular application of nutrient solution or fertilizer to provide a certain amount of nutrients when grown in water. Diluting commercially available formulas or adding a certain amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer to the water can help crape myrtles establish roots in water.
3. Medicinal Efficacy of Crape Myrtles
Here are several scenarios for your reference: Nitrogen Deficiency: The plant becomes weak, with slender, stiff branches, small leaves, and small flowers. The leaf color changes from dark green to lighter from old leaves to new leaves, then turns reddish-purple, until the leaves wilt and fall off. In severe cases, the entire plant loses its green color.
Prevention and Control Methods: Apply additional fertilizers such as well-rotted human manure, cake fertilizer, manure, or ammonium sulfate, urea, and ammonium nitrate.
Phosphorus Deficiency: The leaves turn from dark green to copper-red, and the veins (especially the petioles) appear yellow with purple. Flower buds form with difficulty, resulting in small, infrequent, and pale-colored blooms, which leads to poor fruit development and even premature withering and falling. Control methods: Apply bone meal, fish meal, poultry fertilizer, or superphosphate, ammonium phosphate, or potassium phosphate (a phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer). Foliar topdressing with a 0.10% aqueous solution is generally recommended. Potassium deficiency: Plants grow short, with soft stems prone to lodging. Leaves often shrivel, with dark brown spots appearing from the tip to the margins of older leaves. The periphery of the leaves turns yellow, while the center and veins remain green. Control methods: Apply wood ash, a 1%-2% aqueous potassium chloride solution (avoid this for bulbs and tuberous flowers), and a 0.30%-0.50% aqueous potassium nitrate solution as foliar topdressing. Inorganic fertilizers such as potassium phosphate are also acceptable. Calcium deficiency: Young leaves appear green and shrivel, with curled edges and white streaks. Flowering is blocked, and new leaves have difficulty unfolding or become distorted and diseased.
Prevention and Control Methods: Apply an appropriate amount of calcium chloride to the soil half a month before sowing or potting. This can increase calcium and disinfect the soil (do not use on acid-loving flowers). Calcium nitrate can also be used as a topdressing fertilizer.
Magnesium Deficiency: Plants do not grow vigorously. Older leaves gradually lose their green color and turn white from the edge to the center, with spots of various colors appearing on the veins, and finally the entire leaf turns yellow.
Prevention and Control Methods: Spray 3-4 times continuously with a 0.20% to 0.40% magnesium sulfate solution, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application. For soils with severe magnesium deficiency, apply 5-10 kg of magnesium sulfate per mu (approximately 1 acre) and mix it into the base fertilizer and apply it to the soil in autumn or winter.
Sulfur Deficiency: Young leaves begin to turn yellow from the veins, eventually turning yellow throughout the leaves, and the root system develops abnormally.
Iron Deficiency: Yellowing occurs from young leaves to older leaves. Sulfur and iron deficiency prevention methods: Spray with a 0.30% ferrous sulfate solution three times, one week apart. The spraying should be fine and even. Foliar topdressing can also be performed with a 0.20% urea-iron solution. 4. Medicinal Efficacy of Crape Myrtle Leaves: Reasons for Crape Myrtle Trees to Wither and Fall: 1. Excessive sunlight: Crape myrtle requires ample sunlight to grow, but excessive sunlight can dry out its leaves, eventually causing them to wither and fall. 2. Insufficient watering: Insufficient watering can prevent the plant’s roots from absorbing water, causing the leaves to wither and fall due to lack of water and drought. 3. Overfertilization: Over-fertilizing with excessively concentrated fertilizers can easily burn the plant’s roots, preventing it from absorbing nutrients properly, resulting in leaf withering and falling. If rotten areas appear on the trunk of a crape myrtle, dig out the dry or rotten areas, apply a healing agent, and water the roots with dry rot. Powdery mildew primarily attacks crape myrtle leaves, with young leaves being more susceptible than older leaves. Young shoots and flower buds can also be infected. Small white spots appear on the leaves, which expand into circular patches. In severe cases, the entire leaf turns yellow, causing premature leaf drop. The disease is most susceptible to infection at temperatures between 19-25°C and 100% relative humidity, primarily occurring in spring and autumn, with autumn being the most severe. The pathogen overwinters as mycelium in buds or as cleistothecia on fallen leaves, spread by air currents, and can infect multiple times during the growing season. After powdery mildew develops, photosynthesis is reduced by more than half, and transpiration from diseased leaves increases, accelerating leaf aging and death. Prevention and Control Methods: 1. Increase fertilization and ensure adequate drainage to prevent excessive humidity. 2. Reduce the source of infection by combining autumn and winter pruning, removing diseased and dead branches and burning them in a centralized manner. During the growing season, promptly remove diseased buds, leaves, and shoots. 3. When diseased, spray plants with a 1000-fold dilution of “Fenxiuqing,” a 1000-fold dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder, or a 500-fold dilution of 80% mancozeb wettable powder. Alternating between these agents yields better results. 2. Crape Myrtle Scale: Also known as the pomegranate felt scale, it produces two generations per year and overwinters as eggs or nymphs. The female adults and nymphs suck the sap from the bud axils, leaves and branches, causing the branches and leaves to turn black and fall off, seriously affecting the growth and development of the tree. Their excrement can induce sooty mold disease, which is one of the main pests that harm crape myrtle.
Prevention and control methods:
1. Strengthen quarantine to prevent the influx of pathogens, apply fertilizers reasonably, enhance the plant’s insect resistance, maintain ventilation and light transmission, avoid excessive plant density, and burn the infested branches in combination with winter and early spring pruning. After the number of hours, manually scrape them off.
2. Chemical control.
(1) In winter, spray 10-15 times of rosin mixture or 40-50 times of engine oil emulsion 1-3 times to eliminate the overwintering generation of female insects.
(2) Before budding, spray 3-5 degrees of lime sulfur mixture or 3-5% diesel emulsion to eliminate the overwintering generation of nymphs. (3) Nymphs are the key to prevention and control. First, for newly hatched nymphs, spray 500 times of 50% carbaryl wettable powder or 1000 times of 5% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate on the soil around the tree roots in early spring. Seize the critical period of hatching when the shells have not yet thickened and the pesticides are easy to penetrate. Spray once every 7-10 days for 2-3 times in a row. Use 40% oxydemeton-methyl emulsifiable concentrate, 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate, 25% phosmet emulsifiable concentrate 1000-1500 ml, or use the garden-specific insecticide “蚧清” to spray evenly. 3. Use a polymer film mixed spray to form a thin film on the plant, making it difficult for the insects to breathe and suffocate to death. Use the natural enemy red-spotted lip mark insect to prey on them, which can achieve good results. 2. Crape Myrtle Aphid: In northern my country, 5-8 generations occur annually, with eggs overwintering near buds and tips. The initial outbreak begins in May, peaking in June. Nymphs and adults swarm to infest tender leaves, sucking sap and affecting growth and development. Control Methods: 1. In early spring, scrape away old bark and prune affected branches, then burn them to eliminate overwintering eggs. 2. Strengthen cultivation and management measures to reduce the source of the disease. 3. When aphids are abundant, treat with a 1000-1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate or 40% acephate, or an 800-1000 times dilution of “Aphid and Lice Clear,” but be careful to avoid phytotoxicity. 4. Where conditions permit, artificially breed and release natural enemies, such as Harmonia axyridis and larvae of the sedge beetle.
5. Use color-coded traps to attract and trap winged aphids, or use reflective white tinfoil to repel migrating aphids.
5. Medicinal Value of Crape Myrtle Leaves
Leaf Differences: Bauhinia leaves are leathery, round or broadly heart-shaped, with a heart-shaped base; Crape Myrtle leaves are papery, obovate or elliptical.
Flower Differences: Bauhinia inflorescences are terminal or axillary, with purple-red petals that are lanceolate; Crape Myrtle inflorescences are terminal, with panicles of red, white, and purple flowers, each with six petals.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape Myrtle, also known as Itchy Flower, Itchy Tree, Purple Gold Flower, Purple Orchid, Mosquito Flower, Western Bayberry, Hundred-Day Amaranth, and Barkless Tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the order Myrtales, family Lythraceae, and genus Lagerstroemia. The crape myrtle can reach up to 7 meters tall, with twisted trunks and slender twigs. Its bark is smooth and gray or gray-brown. Its leaves are alternate or sometimes opposite, papery, oval, broadly oblong, or obovate. They are green to yellow when young, turning purple-black when mature or dry, with a fissure on the dorsum. Its seeds are winged and about 8 mm long. It blooms from June to September, and fruiting occurs from September to December. Purple has always been a revered color in China, and its aura symbolizes good fortune. The Purple Star in the sky is the ruler of all things, so the crape myrtle tree symbolizes wealth and good fortune in feng shui, bringing wealth and good luck to the family. The crape myrtle tree also has a powerful aura of dispelling negative energy, effectively dispelling negative and negative energy from the home. It purifies the air, attracting and channeling good fortune, thus creating a harmonious aura throughout the home, improving interpersonal relationships, and fostering family harmony. In fact, the crape myrtle tree is also a long-lived tree with a very long growth lifespan. It can still bloom normally after 500 years. Therefore, planting it at home can also play a good feng shui role in prolonging life, allowing the elderly in the family to live a long and healthy life.
7. What is the medicinal value of the crape myrtle tree?
1. Drought and water shortage
Crape myrtle likes to grow in a humid environment. It will grow better in a location with high air humidity. If it is not watered for a long time and the air is relatively dry, the tips of the leaves will easily turn yellow and dry.
Solution: If it is caused by drought and water shortage, it needs to be watered in time. If it is in summer, it is also necessary to spray water on the plant to moisturize it, or spray water on the surrounding ground to increase the humidity of the air to prevent its leaves from drying out due to lack of water.
2. Fertilizer damage and root burn
Crape myrtle has a high demand for fertilizer, but it should not be too much when fertilizing. If the concentration of fertilizer is too high or the amount is too large, it will burn its root system, causing the leaves to become dry and yellow.
Solution: If fertilizer damage and root burn occur, it is recommended to directly replace it with new potting soil to avoid continued fertilizer damage. Prepare new potting soil for it and pot it. After potting, water it thoroughly once and place it in a cool place to slow down the growth.
3. Strong sunlight
If it is a young crape myrtle seedling, it cannot tolerate strong sunlight exposure, especially if it is maintained in the hot sun for a long time in summer, it is easy to sunburn its leaves, resulting in damage to the leaf tips.
Solution: Take timely shading measures, build a sunshade with black shade net, reduce the light time or weaken the light intensity. If it is potted, it can be moved directly to a cool place indoors for maintenance.
4. Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a common disease of crape myrtles, primarily affecting young leaves and new shoots. Affected leaves will turn yellow.
Solution: Improve the plant’s growing environment by moving it outdoors to a well-lit and ventilated location, and spray the plant with a solution of carbendazim or triadimefon.
8. Is the crape myrtle a medicinal herb?
1. Podocarpus
The Podocarpus has evergreen branches and leaves, is highly adaptable, and has a beautiful shape, reaching heights of around 20 meters. Its bark is gray or gray-brown, and it typically blooms in spring from April to May. The plant exudes an elegant and upright aura, symbolizing longevity, wealth preservation, and good fortune.
2. Pine
Pine is also one of the top ten bonsai tree species. Pine trees have strong vitality and can grow luxuriantly even in harsh environments. Its branches and leaves are evergreen all year round and are highly ornamental. The plant is majestic and upright, which symbolizes longevity. In addition, its rhizome is also a traditional Chinese medicine.
3. Nandina domestica
Nandina domestica is a common woody plant in southern my country. It has a beautiful plant shape and bright red fruits. It is highly adaptable to the environment and is widely used in gardens. It likes to grow in warm and humid environments, is relatively shade-tolerant, and has strong cold resistance. It is also cultivated in many regions of my country.
4. Boxwood
Boxwood is also an evergreen plant. Its leaves are mainly oval and shiny. It blooms in March every year and enters the fruiting period from May to June. The plant has strong adaptability and can grow well both indoors and outdoors. During the growth period, it is necessary to ensure sufficient light so that the plant can grow more lush.
5. Black Pine
The black pine is tall and has gray-black bark. It usually blooms in April in spring. It is a light-loving plant with strong drought resistance and is not cold-resistant. It grows faster in warm and humid climates. At the same time, the black pine is evergreen all year round and has strong disease and insect resistance. It is relatively simple to grow at home. 6. Mountain Pine: Mountain pine is also a common indoor potted plant. Its bark is primarily reddish-brown, and its branches and leaves spread gracefully. It typically blooms in spring from April to May, and its fruit matures from October to December. While highly ornamental, it has a slow growth rate, making it a valuable potted tree. 7. Crape Myrtle: Crape Myrtle, also known as the barkless tree, can reach a height of approximately 7 meters. Its smooth bark is primarily gray or gray-brown, and its numerous branches create a graceful shape. Its flowering period is highly ornamental, with a long blooming period, earning it the reputation of “hundred-day red.” It is a popular choice for both ornamental foliage and flowers. 8. Ginkgo: Ginkgo, also known as white walnut, is a valuable potted tree species. It has a long lifespan, living for over 20 years under natural conditions, making it a long-lived tree and highly ornamental. Its rhizomes can also be used in furniture, making it a common, high-quality material. 9. Willow: Willows are highly adaptable to their environment, enjoying sunlight. They are a common, warm-loving species with strong cold tolerance. They generally live for 20 to 30 years and have a long growing season, making them easy to care for at home. Furthermore, their wood is lightweight and resists deformation after drying, making them highly economically valuable. 10. Banyan: Banyan trees are also excellent indoor potted plants. They can reach heights of 15 to 25 meters and typically bloom in spring from May to June. They are the provincial tree of Fujian Province and are widely cultivated in Zhejiang, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces of my country. They often have excellent feng shui implications when placed indoors.
9. The Role and Value of Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle Garden Use 1: As a greening tree for units and industrial and mining areas. Crape myrtle absorbs harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride, and also acts as a dust suppressant. The oil released from its flowers during flowering also has disinfecting properties, not only beautifying the environment but also contributing to ecological conservation.
Crape Myrtle Garden Use 2: Solitary Planting in the Garden: A Single Tree Creates a Scenery. Solitary planting in a garden serves the dual purpose of providing both ornamental and shade.
When selecting a tree, it’s important to firstly select a majestic and unique tree that can create a unique scene, creating a gorgeous, vibrant, and artistic aesthetic with a subtle, refreshing fragrance.
Secondly, a tree with a large crown, rapid growth, and good shade is desirable.
The third use of crape myrtle in gardens: Application in various parks and public green spaces. Crape myrtle has extremely high ornamental value and is easy to plant and manage.
In gardens, according to the actual local conditions and landscaping needs, single planting, paired planting, group planting, clump planting, and row planting can be used to create scientific and artistic landscaping.
For example, it can be planted in clumps or groups on hillsides, flat land, or in scenic areas; it can be placed by the waterfront or by the pool for excellent viewing effects; it can be placed next to rocks or peaks; and it can be placed among evergreen trees.
The leaves of crape myrtle turn red and yellow in spring and late autumn. Therefore, in landscaping, crape myrtle is often placed among evergreen trees to solve the problem of monotonous color in the garden. On the other hand, dotting a lawn with a few crape myrtles gives people a feeling of soft atmosphere and bright colors.
Crape Myrtle Garden Use Four: As a Greening Tree for Small Roads and Highways. As a street tree, crape myrtle not only replenishes oxygen, purifies the air, beautifies the city, and reduces noise, but its beautiful shape and high ornamental value also provide a place for recreation and relaxation for drivers on the road, relieving visual fatigue.
Crape Myrtle Garden Use Five: As an Ornamental Tree for Gardens and Public Green Spaces. Crape myrtle can be cultivated as a shrub or small tree for gardens and public green spaces.
Its rich colors and long flowering period enrich the summer and autumn seasons when flowers are scarce.
It can be planted singly, in rows, or in clumps, combined with other trees and shrubs to create a colorful, seasonal landscape. Compiled and presented by Yihuang County Green Farmer Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
10. Does the crape myrtle have medicinal value?
Crape myrtle is also known as itch flower, purple gold flower, western bayberry, and hibiscus. The simplest method of propagating crape myrtle is to use hard branches for cuttings. You can also use young branches or old branches for cuttings. It is a shrub or small tree of the Lythraceae family. As an ornamental tree, it is commonly found in gardens and courtyards, and is also cultivated as a bonsai. Here is an introduction to the simplest method of propagating crape myrtle by cuttings.
1. Hard branch cuttings
1. Cutting season
It is usually carried out before the branches sprout in spring. In the south, cuttings can be taken from mid-March to early April.
2. Prepare tools and soil
Prepare pruning shears, flower pots and soil, all of which need to be disinfected and sterilized. The soil should be fertile, deep, loose and breathable sandy loam. A mixture of leaf mold and sand can be used.
3. Prepare cuttings
Use sterilized knives to cut strong, one-year-old, well-lignified branches from the base of young trees or large trees, cut them into about 10 to 15 cm long as cuttings, cut off most of the leaves on the branches, and retain 1 or 3 leaves at the top.
4. Cutting process
The cuttings should be inserted into the soil to a depth of 8 to 13 cm, then water them once and cover them with a layer of plastic film or reed curtain.
5. Post-cultivation
After cutting, keep the cuttings warm and moist. Spray water once a day to keep the soil moist and the relative humidity of the air above 70%. After half a month, they will take root and survive. After the cuttings survive, remove the plastic film or reed curtain and gradually increase the light. Fertilize after 2 months.
2. Softwood Cuttings
Use softwood cuttings in July and August. Choose thick, semi-lignified branches that are free of pests and diseases. The length of the cuttings should be about 10 cm, and keep 2 or 3 leaves on the top.
Plant the cuttings into the prepared cultivation medium at a depth of 8 cm. Water thoroughly after cutting, cover with a layer of plastic film, and shade with a shade net. Usually, roots will take root after 15 to 20 days, then remove the plastic film and shade net, and start normal maintenance.
3. Old Branch Cuttings
Cut off the thick, branched, mound-shaped branches of the crape myrtle tree. The diameter of the branch should be 5 cm and the length should be about 30 to 50 cm. Cut off the branches. Choose yellow mud deep in the soil as the medium.
Cuttings should be taken in spring. Before cutting, soak the old branches in rooting solution. Remove them and bury them directly in prepared moist soil. Cover with a film to maintain high air and soil humidity. Roots and sprouts will quickly form.