Lagerstroemia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A genus of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs known for their strikingly colorful and long-lasting flowers; commonly cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and parks; characterized by smooth bark and crepe-like petals
2. Woody plants belonging to a genus that features vibrant clusters of blossoms; often prized for aesthetic landscaping; exhibiting exfoliating bark and multiple flowering seasons in temperate climates
3. Trees and shrubs categorized under a specific genus, notable for conspicuous blooms that resemble crêpe paper; widely used for decorative purposes; distinguished by glossy leaves and exfoliating bark patterns

Etymology: Lagerstroemia is a genus name, and it honours a person rather than a myth: Magnus von Lagerström (1691–1759), a Swedish merchant and director of the Swedish East India Company, who supplied botanical specimens and seeds to Carl Linnaeus. Linnaeus named the genus in his honour, and the trees, native to Asia, Australia and Africa, have carried that name ever since. Their common name "crape myrtle" refers to the crinkled, crepe-like texture of the flower petals, which is where the "crape" comes from. The genus itself is a Latinised form of Lagerström's surname, following the standard botanical practice of creating a Latin name from a person's name. The ending "-stroemia" reflects the Swedish spelling of "ström" (stream), with "oe" standing in for the Swedish vowel "ö" as it was commonly rendered in Latin.

Synonyms: crape myrtle, crepe myrtle, Lythraceae plant