Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia genus)

Crape myrtle 紫薇

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia genus) is a summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub. Originating in China and Southeast Asia, the crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of producing strikingly beautiful summer flowers. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. Bloom time varies, depending on the cultivar. Large clusters appear on the tips of new branches beginning in early summer and continue into fall. After flowers fade and fall from the tree, fruit remains in the form of small brown capsules. These fruit remain throughout the winter. In Shenzhen, the crape myrtle blooms from late May to September and the largest clusters of them are in Lianhua Hill Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Litchi Park, Donghu Park, Central Park and Huanggang Park. Photos by Liu Xudong