Podcast script for the Crape Myrtle Podcast:

Hello, and welcome to another installment of Shrub Speech, the number one talk-show about tremendous trees, bizarre bushes, premium plants and amazing alliterations. Today, we will be discussing the Crape Myrtle.
The crape myrtle is plant that can be grown as either a shrub or a tree, and belongs to the Lythraceae family. Of the Lagerstroemia genus, the Crape myrtle gets its name from the petals of its flowers, which resemble crepe paper. While commonly used as a larger shrub, the Crepe Myrtle can also be pruned to resemble a tree, and grows up to 30 feet tall. The Crape Myrtle natural roots trace back to Asia, but its hardiness allows it to be grown in many different climates.
The plant itself, however, is more interesting than its history. The most striking feature about the crepe myrtle are its flowers, which appear in large brightly colored bunches. If you look at the flowers themselves, you’ll notice that each flower is only 1 to 2 inches in diameter. You will also see that the petals are crinkled and resemble crepe paper, from which the Plant gets its common name. While the flowers are undoubtedly eye-catching, you should turn your focus to the bark. The bark of the crape myrtle is beautiful in its own right. You will notice that the bark is smooth, like that of a manzanita, and has a very pinkish tinge. When the bark of the Crape myrtle peels, the young new bark appears and is very green.
While the flowers and bark of the crape myrtle are its most attractive aspects, the leaves of the Crape myrtle serve the greatest practical purpose. If you look at the leaves, they appear to be pretty ordinary: thick, waxy….green. However, the leaves of the speciosa species of Crape myrtle can be dried, crushed, and made into a tea. The tea contains chemicals from the leaves that act similar to insulin, and is used as a treatment for diabetes.
Thank you for joining me for Todays installment of Shrub Speech. Until next time, stay green.
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