Family: Lythraceae (Crape Myrtle family)
Brief Details: Benteak is a deciduous tree, native to the moist forests of Western Ghats, growing to 10-15 m tall. The bark is ash colored and peels off in strips. Oppositely arranged elliptic-lancelike leaves are 6-10 cm long, with 1 cm long stalks. Flowers are borne in large compound panicles. Flowering: May-June.