Lagerstroemia speciosa

Lagerstroemia speciosa, also known as kingflower or pretichitge Lagerstroemie, a fast-growing deciduous tree, belongs to the loosestrife family and originated in Asia. In tropical wetlands of Asia, the tree spreads it naturally.

It is known as banabá and is harvested outdoors for medicinal purposes and as a source of material.
The roots, stems and leaves can be dangerous because they contain prussic acid. The plant possess seeds with a narcotic effect and leaves with a laxative effect.

The use of the dried leaves, often used in the Philippines to treat diabetes and urinary problems, is known as banaba. A leaf poultice can also relieve symptoms of malaria fever and cracked feet.
The bark, after decoction, can be used to treat diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The plant also produces a yellow dye and tannin from the bark, fruit and leaves.