The mushy plants dividing Australians

Key points

• A botanist says crepe myrtles suit gardens and courtyards better than large-scale planting along urban streets. The medium-sized tree is often covered in white, pink, purple or red flowers, and it has become common in new housing developments.
• Its flowers can shed in large volumes and turn mushy and slippery as they decay. The tree also provides less shade and fewer habitats for wildlife than larger trees.
• Crepe myrtles can still be a good choice in the right numbers, particularly in small courtyards.