What are the characteristics of the white magnolia? A complete guide in one article
Other names for the white magnolia (Michelia alba)
The white magnolia is an evergreen tree of the genus Michelia in the family Magnoliaceae, also known as "white Burmese flower" and "Burmese osmanthus".
It originates from Java, Indonesia, and is now widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan are the regions where it is widely cultivated within China, while in the Yangtze River basin and other provinces and regions it is often grown in pots.
Morphological characteristics of the white magnolia (Michelia alba)
The white magnolia can grow up to about 17 m tall, while potted plants are generally 3-4 m tall. Its spreading branches give the crown a broad umbrella shape; the bark is gray; the young twigs and buds bear fine pale yellow or white downy hairs that gradually fall off as it grows. The leaves are thin and glossy, leathery, oval in shape, and mainly blue-green in color.
The flowers are white or pale yellow with a rich fragrance; the petals are rather thick and fleshy, roughly long-lanceolate in shape.
Growing habits of the white magnolia (Michelia alba)
It likes ample light, and a well-ventilated, humid and warm environment is most favorable for its growth; the soil is best chosen as a fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
High temperatures and strong light easily have adverse effects on the growth of the white magnolia, and its cold tolerance is also poor; waterlogging and typhoons can cause varying degrees of harm to it; in addition, it is averse to smoke gases (sulfur dioxide, chlorine, etc.), and its overall resistance is not strong.
Value and uses of the white magnolia (Michelia alba)
Ornamental value: as an ornamental flower, the white magnolia plant is upright and tall, with neat and beautiful branches. In the south it is generally cultivated in courtyards and is very widely used in landscaping. In the north it is grown in pots and placed in home courtyards, halls and meeting rooms as decoration; small and medium-sized plants can also be placed in living rooms and studies.
Medicinal value: the whole plant of the white magnolia can be used as medicine, and it has a good therapeutic effect on diseases such as chronic bronchitis, prostatitis and chronic cough due to deficiency.
Other value: in addition, scenting flower tea and making spices are both very practical uses of the white magnolia. The white magnolia itself has a strong fragrance, and the tea brewed from it is mellow and fragrant, with a fresh, bright and lustrous color, and good appearance and taste. Because the white magnolia contains aromatic volatile oils, bactericides and antioxidants, the spices made from it have a unique effect on beautifying the environment, purifying the air and scenting the home; the essential oil extracted from it can also play a considerable role in beauty care, diet and medical treatment.
The flower language of the white magnolia (Michelia alba)
The flower language of the white magnolia is "pure and flawless love and incomparably sincere affection".