 | Yulan Magnolia - Magnolia denudata [3] Magnoliaceae - Magnolia Family The Yulan magnolia is native to the mountains and valleys of China. USDA zones: 5A through 9A Magnolia Index | Tree Encyclopedia | Trees Index | Juglandaceae | Pinaceae |
Most magnolias are natural understory plants and grow well in shade. They will, however, thrive and often flower better when placed in sunny areas. While some magnolias tolerate moist conditions, most prefer a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The plants will grow best in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Since magnolia wood is somewhat brittle, they should be placed in an area protected from strong winds. Heavy wet snows can easily break branches, especially on evergreen magnolias [1]. Several species in the Magnolioideae are grown for their dried flower buds, known as xinyi, which are used medicinally. In addition, HOUPOEA officinalis (Magnolia officinalis) is extensively grown for its medicinal bark. All species in the family are ornamental, and many are grown in public and private gardens throughout much of China and in other parts of the world [7]. |
Yulan magnolia is a native to the mountains and valleys of China at altitudes of 300-1500 m. It is a rounded, upright tree which will reach over 40 feet at maturity. The leaves are dark green and smooth above and pale green with fine hairs beneath, creating a silvery appearance. When the leaves fall, rough gray-brown bark is revealed. The fragrant flowers, which appear in late-March, earlier than most other magnolias, begin as a vase-like form and open up to 5 to 6 inches across. The tepals, each up to four inches long, are creamy white to ivory in color. Because of their early appearance, the flowers are susceptible to damage from late frosts in all areas where they grow. This magnolia is one of the parents for some of the yellow magnolias. |
 | The genus Magnolia contains about 200 species of flowering trees and shrubs, with innumerable cultivars and varieties being developed all the time. Magnolia is an ancient plant lineage, first appearing in the fossil record about 20 million years ago, while evidence of plants in the family goes back to 90 mya [5]. Plants in Family Magnoliaceae are trees or shrubs, deciduous or evergreen, usually with perfect flowers [7]. Having evolved before pollinators in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps & ants) appeared, the progenitors of our modern ornamental magnolias relied on beetles for their sexual gratification. Their large, showy flowers are a direct result of the plant's strengthening its delicate flower parts against the beetle's comparatively "rough handling" while feeding on pollen. Left: Primitive beetle ancestor inside 50 million year old Baltic amber [4]. |
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Magnoliaceae - Magnolia Family The earliest flowering plants date back about 130 million years. According to Cronquist Evolution and Classification of Flowering Plants, the most primitive of all living angiosperms belong to the subclass Magnoliidae. This subclass contains several primitive plant families, including the water-lily family (Nymphaeaceae), buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and Magnoliaceae. Tree Encyclopedia | Tree Index | Magnolias Index |
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