Thank, but no, it is not a paper mulberry. They grow all over the place here. This leaf is deeply lobed and the paper mulberry has left and right mittens. The leaves on this tree did not vary from what you see. Also, though this tree was growing in shade it was a darker green than the paper mulberries.

Thanks! Hopefully it survives with watering, because I can't wait to see it in flower. I don't know about stem borers in Nicaragua being an issue. They may be but nobody said anything about it nor do I have the background to know by observation. In general, the plants I saw pruned to brush form or trees all looked very vibrant and healthy (not like my woeful pics)

You should try the local Tropicals forum or UBC Botanic Gardens Forum. I'm especially interested in this 'Lagerstroemia' thing. Here is a link that might be useful: Tropicals Forum

Personally, I refer he all green ones to the variegated--which, I imagine, are more expensive than the non-variegated. (They go crazy over the more unusual varieties in Japan.) Raphis may not be the fastest grower, but it is robust, suckers readily, is easiy propagated and should be more available. Terrific indoor palm, only problem is that they have rather poor drought tolerance and can go into decline fast if you neglect watering. Not a palm though for that hot, dry, sunny site.