Is magnolia toxic? Non-toxic and can be kept indoors
Magnolia is a plant with a very elegant appearance, giving people a very comfortable feeling, so it is loved by many people, and many people want to grow one at home. However, many plants carry a certain degree of toxicity, and we need to be clear about this before growing them. Regarding whether magnolia is toxic
Magnolia is a plant with a very elegant appearance, giving people a very comfortable feeling, so it is loved by many people, and many people want to grow one at home. However, many plants carry a certain degree of toxicity, and we need to be clear about this before growing them. Is magnolia toxic? Can magnolia be grown indoors? Let's take a look below.
1. Is magnolia toxic? Non-toxic
Regarding the question of whether magnolia is toxic, the answer is no. This plant itself is not toxic, and the plant is also rich in nutrients, bringing many benefits to the human body. The details are introduced in the article on the efficacy and effects of magnolia, and interested friends can take a look.
2. Can magnolia be grown indoors? Yes
Magnolia can be grown indoors, and growing it indoors has many benefits. However, magnolia is quite light-loving and needs sufficient sunlight during growth, so we should still move it outdoors at the right time each day to receive sunlight for a period, which can help it grow better.
3. Benefits of growing magnolia indoors
1. Beautifies the indoor environment
Magnolia is a highly ornamental plant. This plant naturally has an elegant quality, and it also carries a faint fresh fragrance, which is very refreshing. If you grow one at home, it can not only fill the room with fragrance, but also play a good role in beautifying the indoor environment.
2. Freshens indoor air
The leaves of magnolia are rich in chlorophyll, which magnolia relies on to absorb nutrients and grow. During photosynthesis, it can also absorb harmful substances in the air and convert them into oxygen, thereby making the surrounding air fresher. If we grow one at home, it can also greatly improve people's living environment.
3. Enhances the bond between husband and wife
The flower language of magnolia represents pure love and sincerity, and its flowers are mostly white, so it is quite suitable for planting in the bedroom. If magnolia is planted in the bedroom, from the perspective of feng shui it is beneficial for enhancing the bond between husband and wife. Growing magnolia indoors can also bring people good luck to a certain extent.
Is freesia toxic? The value of freesia
Because of its early flowering period, bright colors, fragrant flowers, and long vase life, freesia can be supplied to the market in early spring and during the Spring Festival. It can be grown as a cut flower or as a potted plant in a greenhouse, and is deeply favored by flower lovers. Recently, many friends have mentioned wanting to grow freesia, but they do not know whether it is toxic. Let's take a look:
Regarding whether freesia is toxic, let me first tell everyone that freesia is not toxic. As for the value of freesia, let me share it with you.
Ornamental value of freesia:
Freesia arrangements mainly use yellow freesia and red lilies as the main flowers, paired with bird of paradise, tricolor cordyline leaves, and palm bamboo leaves, conveying the meaning of yearning for light and the future. If freesia and red phalaenopsis are used as the theme flowers, paired with magnolia, asparagus fern, baby's breath, dragon willow branches, to decorate the room, it is elegant and dignified. Freesia flowers resemble lilies, leaves resemble orchid leaves, flower colors are elegant, delicate and graceful, with a rich fragrance and a long flowering period. It is a winter flower loved by people.
A spring indoor ornamental flower with many horticultural varieties. It is commonly used as a potted plant or its cut flower branches are placed in vases to decorate the interior, and it is an ideal potted flower for embellishing the living room and study.
Medicinal value of freesia:
Freesia is commonly known as "ginger flower," and its fragrance has the effect of calming the nerves, eliminating fatigue, and promoting sleep.
Freesia is a non-toxic plant and quite valuable, so friends who like freesia can grow it.
Southern magnolia Magnolia Grandiflora L. Southern magnolia illustrated guide: how to grow southern magnolia / how to propagate southern magnolia
Southern magnolia profileSouthern magnolia Magnolia Grandiflora L.
Aliases: large-flowered magnolia, lotus magnolia, foreign magnolia
Classification: tree flower
Family and genus: Plantae, Spermatophyta, Dicotyledoneae, Magnoliales, Magnoliaceae, Magnolia
Full bloom period: summer
Southern magnolia is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 30 m in its place of origin; bark light brown or gray. Because its flowers are very large and resemble lotus flowers, it is also called "lotus magnolia." Southern magnolia originated in the Americas, so some people also call it "foreign magnolia." It can be used medicinally and also for road greening. Southern magnolia likes light when growing, and is slightly shade-tolerant when young. It likes a warm and humid climate and has a certain cold resistance. It is suitable for growing in dry, fertile, moist, well-drained slightly acidic or neutral soil. When planted in alkaline soil, chlorosis easily occurs. It dislikes waterlogging and poor drainage. Southern magnolia has a majestic and magnificent tree posture, large leaves, dense green shade, and flowers like lotus with a rich fragrance. It is a landscaping tree species, resistant to smoke...
Cultivation methods and precautions for southern magnolia Introduction to southern magnolia
Southern magnolia is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 30 m in its place of origin; bark light brown or gray. Because its flowers are very large and resemble lotus flowers, it is also called "lotus magnolia." Southern magnolia originated in the Americas, so some people also call it "foreign magnolia." It can be used medicinally and also for road greening.
Southern magnolia likes light when growing, and is slightly shade-tolerant when young. It likes a warm and humid climate and has a certain cold resistance. It is suitable for growing in dry, fertile, moist, well-drained slightly acidic or neutral soil. When planted in alkaline soil, chlorosis easily occurs. It dislikes waterlogging and poor drainage.
Southern magnolia has a majestic and magnificent tree posture, large leaves, dense green shade, and flowers like lotus with a rich fragrance. It is a landscaping tree species, resistant to smoke and wind, and has strong resistance to toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide. It can be used to purify air and protect the environment.
Southern magnolia is the city tree of Hefei, Anhui; Zhenjiang, Jiangsu; Changzhou, Jiangsu; and Nantong, Jiangsu.
Morphological characteristics of southern magnolia
Southern magnolia is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 30 m in its place of origin; bark light brown or gray, splitting in thin scales; branchlets stout, with diaphragmed pith; branchlets, buds, leaf undersides, and petioles all densely covered with brown or gray-brown short tomentum (leaf undersides of young trees hairless). Leaves thickly leathery, elliptical, oblong-elliptical, or obovate-elliptical, 10-20 cm long, 4-7 (10) cm wide, apex obtuse or shortly obtusely pointed, base cuneate, upper surface dark green and glossy; lateral veins 8-10 per side; petiole 1.5-4 cm long, without stipular scar, with a deep groove.
Southern magnolia flowers white, fragrant, 15-20 cm in diameter; tepals 9-12, thickly fleshy, obovate, 6-10 cm long, 5-7 cm wide; stamens about 2 cm long, filaments flat, purple, anthers introrse, connective extended into a short point; gynoecium ellipsoid, densely covered with long tomentum; carpels ovate, 1-1.5 cm long, style curled. Aggregate fruit cylindric-oblong or ovoid, 7-10 cm long, 4-5 cm in diameter, densely covered with brown or pale gray-yellow tomentum; follicles dehiscing along the back, back rounded, apex outer side with a long beak; seeds nearly orbicular-ovate or ovate, about 14 mm long, about 6 mm in diameter, outer seed coat red; seeds with the outer seed coat removed have the apex extended into a short neck.
Southern magnolia has large, white flowers shaped like lotus, fragrant, and is a beautiful ornamental tree for garden greening. It is suitable for growing in moist and fertile soil and has strong resistance to toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride; it is also resistant to smoke and dust. The wood is yellow-white, hard and heavy, and can be used for decorative timber. Leaves, young branches, and flowers can be used to extract aromatic oil; flowers are used to make concrete. Leaves are used medicinally to treat high blood pressure. Seeds are pressed for oil, with an oil content of 42.5%.
Southern magnolia is an evergreen large tree, 2-3 m tall. Bark light brown or gray, splitting in thin scales. Branches and buds have rusty-colored fine hairs. Stipules separate from petiole; leaves leathery, blade elliptical or obovate-oblong, with brown short pubescence on the underside; 10-20 cm long, 4-10 cm wide, apex obtuse or acuminate, base cuneate, upper surface dark green and glossy, lower surface pale green with rusty fine hairs, lateral veins 8-9 pairs. Flowers fragrant, white, cup-shaped, 15-20 cm in diameter, resembling lotus when open; pedicel sturdy with downy hair; tepals 9-12, obovate, thickly fleshy; stamens numerous, about 2 cm long, filaments flat, purple, anthers introrse, connective extended into a short pointed tip; gynoecium elliptical, densely covered with long tomentum, carpels ovate, 1-1.5 cm long, style curled. Aggregate fruit cylindric-oblong or ovate, densely covered with brown or gray-yellow tomentum, fruit apex with a long beak. Seeds elliptical or ovate m.
Southern magnolia flowering period May-June, fruiting period September-October.
Ecological habits of southern magnolia
Southern magnolia likes light when growing, and is slightly shade-tolerant when young. It likes a warm and humid climate and has a certain cold resistance. It is suitable for growing in dry, fertile, moist, well-drained slightly acidic or neutral soil. When planted in alkaline soil, chlorosis easily occurs. It dislikes waterlogging and poor drainage. It has strong resistance to smoke, dust, and sulfur dioxide gas, and few pests and diseases. The root system is deep and wide, and wind resistance is strong. In particular, seed-grown seedlings have straight trunks, a majestic tree posture, and strong adaptability.
Southern magnolia likes a warm and humid climate and is widely cultivated from the Yangtze River Basin to the Pearl River Basin in China, but it is also fairly cold-resistant. South of Beijing and Tianjin, it can be planted in the open ground as long as irrigation conditions are met; it is a sun-loving tree species, and seedlings are fairly shade-tolerant; it is best grown in moist, well-drained acidic and neutral soil, and can also grow in mildly saline-alkaline soil; it is a fertilizer-loving tree species, and 1 application of organic fertilizer should be given before flowering in spring. In autumn, the soil can be deeply turned and well-rotted barnyard manure applied; it has very few pests and diseases and strong wind resistance.
Southern magnolia likes a warm and humid climate and requires deep, fertile, well-drained acidic soil. It likes sunlight, but young trees are quite shade-tolerant and are not tolerant of strong sunlight or west-facing exposure, otherwise the trunk is easily sunburned. Its resistance to smoke, dust, and toxic gases is fairly strong. Few pests and diseases, moderate growth speed, and growth gradually speeds up after 3 years, with more than 0.5 m of growth per year. Southern magnolia has a majestic and magnificent tree posture, thick and glossy leaves, and large fragrant flowers, and is an important ornamental tree species for urban greening. It has strong resistance to smoke, dust, and sulfur dioxide gas, and few pests and diseases. The root system is deep and wide, and wind resistance is strong.
Cultivation techniques of southern magnolia Cultivation management
In the south it is mostly planted in the ground, while in the north it is mostly potted. Potted plants should be moved into the greenhouse before "Frost's Descent." Pay attention to ventilation and light, and do not water too much. The potting soil should remain at 40-60% moisture. Keeping the room temperature above 3°C is enough for overwintering. Spray water on the leaf surface once every half month to wash off dust. After "Qingming," take them out of the greenhouse and place them in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot. Apply fertilizer water 1-2 times a week. In summer, water once a day and apply fertilizer water twice a week. In high-temperature weather, pay attention to sprinkling water on the leaf surface to cool down. Repot once every 2-3 years. For ground-planted plants, refer to potted water and fertilizer management, and pay attention to loosening the soil and weeding, and protecting against cold in winter.
Seedling cultivation
1. Preparation of growing medium
The growing medium should use loose, fertile organic soil. You can choose 85% mountain surface soil, forest soil, or nursery soil and 13% fully rotted compost, then add 2% superphosphate and mix thoroughly. You can also use half yellow soil and half burnt soil, adding 2% superphosphate. Soil that has grown vegetables and highly clayey soil should not be used.
2. Sowing
Level the land inside the greenhouse and make a seedbed. Make container bags from newspaper, with a specification of 15 cm high, 10 cm in diameter, bottomless, cylindrical. Place the cylinders neatly on the seedbed, arranged into widths of 0.8 to 1 m, with length depending on the site, leaving a 30 cm walkway in the middle. Fill the bags with 70-80% growing medium, place one germinated seed, cover with 1 cm of growing medium, cover with straw to retain moisture, and water thoroughly with a watering can. Keep the greenhouse temperature at 10°C to 25°C, and remove the straw promptly when seedlings emerge.
3. Watering
When fertilizing, be sure to spray water, and the water droplets should not be too large, to prevent the growing medium from splashing out of the containers. The humidity in the greenhouse is high, so water carefully and not too much; water again only when dry. When the seedlings' two true leaves are fully expanded, spray once with a 600-fold solution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder. At this time, appropriately withhold water, and water again after the container walls dry, to encourage more lateral roots. Start applying dilute fertilizer one week later, then spray carbendazim wettable powder 600-fold solution once every half month, and apply dilute fertilizer once, until they leave the greenhouse.
Field planting
1. Site selection: choose a convenient transportation location and a flat site for the nursery. The nursery soil should preferably be loam, and the soil layer should be deep to facilitate taking seedlings out of the nursery with soil. Sandy soil gives good seedling growth, but it is inconvenient to take seedlings out of the nursery with soil. If the soil is too clayey and has poor aeration and drainage, it is unfavorable for seedling growth.
2. Bed making: combined with land preparation, apply 50 to 80 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per mu. The seedbed width is 1.2 m, 15 to 20 cm higher than the walkway, and the length is unlimited. The walkway width is 30 cm.
Cultivation methods of southern magnolia Key maintenance points
The seeds contain oil and must not lose water. They should not be exposed to the sun or allowed to become too dry, and should be stored by stratification with moist sand. Choose a ventilated, cool room, and stack one layer of moist sand and one layer of seeds. The sand should hold together when squeezed by hand and scatter when released. The stack height should not exceed 50 cm. Check frequently to prevent the seeds from becoming moldy and deteriorating, and replenish water appropriately after a period.
In mid-February, move the southern magnolia seeds and moist sand into the greenhouse. Use one layer of film plus one layer of a small arch shed and straw curtains to control temperature, not lower than 15°C at night and not higher than 25°C during the day. When the temperature is too high, ventilate and turn the seeds. Once the seeds crack and show white, they can be sown.
The natural tree shape of this species is elliptical-ovate and very beautiful. Its branching ability is low and sprouting ability is poor, and it is not tolerant of pruning, so pruning should be done cautiously. Never cut off branches arbitrarily, so as not to affect the tree shape. During the young tree stage, to make the central main branch grow well, pay attention to removing lateral buds around the main branch.
Seedling purchasing channels
Because southern magnolia seedlings have been relatively scarce on the market in the past two years, the price of southern magnolia seedlings has been greatly increased, and buying southern magnolia seedlings has become the biggest concern for many flower growers. Southern magnolia seedling purchases are mainly online and on-site. For online purchases, you need to choose a long-term reputable company to feel more assured and to buy reliable seedlings. I know that an online one called Wanguo Nursery Horticultural Farm is fairly formal, and for other online seedling purchases, it is better to investigate. For on-site seedling purchases, it is best to go to northern Jiangsu, because being farther north, northern seedlings can better adapt to the climate environment. Southern magnolia grows slowly, so choosing good seedlings is the only way to sell for a good price. Therefore, when buying seedlings to plant, you should buy good seedlings and not just seek a temporary cheap price.
Transplanting techniques for southern magnolia Maintenance and management of newly planted southern magnolia trees
Southern magnolia has a majestic and magnificent tree posture, thick and glossy leaves, and large fragrant flowers, and is an important ornamental tree species for urban greening. The southern magnolia root system is well developed and is most suitable for deep, well-drained acidic sandy loam. The planting hole should be large and deep. Regardless of seedling size, it should be transplanted with a soil ball. When transplanting, the leaves should be thinned to ensure survival. Otherwise, due to massive transpiration from the leaves, the whole plant may be on the verge of death, and finally it has to be heavily pruned, ruining the tree shape. Apply fertilizer 3-4 times a year to promote the growth and flowering of southern magnolia.
Water management: settling water
Southern magnolia roots are fleshy roots and lose water very easily. Therefore, when digging, transporting, and planting, speed and timeliness are required to avoid excessive water loss that affects survival. After southern magnolia is transplanted, the first settling water should be timely and should be enough and thorough, so that the root system can fully contact the soil and survival is favored. For the first watering, be sure to make a large surrounding pit and water thoroughly. Dissolved 10 g of rooting agent can be watered into the tree hole with the water to promote new roots. After 7 to 10 days, water a second time. After about 20 days, water a third time.
Misting
After transplanting, to improve the survival rate and reduce transpiration, the tree should be replenished with water frequently. According to different temperature and humidity conditions, spray water on the crown and tree body in a timely manner. Within half a month after transplanting, persist in misting the tree body 3 to 4 times a day, but the ground must not accumulate water, to ensure the tree body's water needs. Afterward, reduce the number of misting sessions as appropriate according to weather conditions.
Drainage
If there is excessive rainfall after transplanting, drainage trenches need to be opened to avoid water accumulation at the roots, which can cause root rot and death of southern magnolia.
Trunk protection
The trunk and branches of this tree are most easily burned by strong sunlight, causing the bark to split and decay, resulting in serious damage. For newly planted southern magnolia, whitewashing treatment should be carried out after transplanting, and straw rope can also be used to wrap the trunk for about 2 m to reduce water evaporation. In drought, water can be sprayed on the straw rope to create a small humid environment.
Staking
After planting, stakes should be set up to secure the trunk and prevent swaying. If stakes are not set up, the trunk will shake, preventing the root system from closely contacting the soil and creating gaps, making the roots very prone to water loss, affecting survival, and also damaging the root system, directly affecting the transplanting effect. Therefore, stakes should be set up immediately after planting. This is a very important task and must not be ignored. Staking method: generally driving piles cannot play a fixing role. You can choose 3 m to 4 m long bamboo poles or tripods made of other materials with good stability. The fixing points should be padded with soft material to prevent damage to the bark.
Pruning branches and removing leaves
Because its branches and leaves are luxuriant, the leaves are large, and newly planted saplings have high water transpiration and are prone to wind damage, the leaves should be thinned immediately during transplanting. If the soil ball is loose or too small and the root system is severely damaged, some small branches or redundant branches should also be thinned. By pruning branches and removing leaves, water evaporation can be reduced and the water supply pressure on the injured root system can be eased. Pruning should remove inner branches, overlapping branches, and diseased and pest-infested branches, and strive to maintain the integrity of the tree shape; leaf removal should preferably remove 1/3 of the leaves on the branches. Too much removal will make it difficult for the root system to absorb water.
Cold protection
Newly transplanted southern magnolia must be protected from cold for 3 to 4 years. After winter begins, build a sturdy windproof barrier, leaving an opening on the sunny south side to receive sunlight. In addition, cover the ground with a layer of straw to prevent the roots from freezing.
Maintenance and management of southern magnolia trees after survival
1. Fertilizer and water management: watering
Water in a timely manner according to local environmental conditions.
Fertilizing: during the growing period or after flowers fade, apply dilute manure water 1 to 2 times to promote flower bud differentiation. Only in this way can the leaves be green and the flowers abundant, with larger and more fragrant flowers the next year, and enhance the plant's disease resistance.
2. Cultivating and weeding
This is an important part of healthy plant growth. Loosen the soil promptly after watering to favor the balance of soil water, fertilizer, air, and heat.
3. Pruning
At any time, cut off dead branches, diseased branches, or overly dense branches, as well as rootstock suckers, to concentrate nutrients for protecting buds and flowers. Pruning can also make the plant shape more attractive. After flowering, promptly remove faded buds to reduce the consumption of tree nutrients.
Survival rate
Southern magnolia is an evergreen tree in the Magnoliaceae family, with thick leathery leaves and white, fragrant flowers, and it likes moist and fertile soil. It is favored by people for its upright trunk shape, glossy dark green leaves, and large pure white flowers. In landscaping construction, large trees often need to be transplanted, but at present there is a certain difficulty in transplanting large southern magnolia trees, and the survival rate is often not ideal. Based on many years of southern magnolia planting experience, Hunan Hongbo Flower and Tree Base now introduces its technical key points as follows:
1. Season
For transplanting large southern magnolia trees, early spring is suitable, but the plum rain season is best. About half a month after Spring Festival, southern magnolia is still in the dormant period, sap flow is slow, and metabolism is slow, so it can be transplanted at this time. After transplanting, when the temperature rises in late spring, the root system first begins to sprout, grow, and repair. With careful management, it will basically not affect the growth of southern magnolia that year. In addition, during the plum rain season, rainfall is heavy and air humidity is high, so the survival rate of southern magnolia transplanted at this time is very high. However, when transplanting, note that it is best to choose cloudy or partly cloudy weather, and try to avoid heavy rain or high-temperature weather.
2. Soil ball
The size of the soil ball is the key to the success or failure of southern magnolia transplanting. In East China, the soil ball diameter is generally 8 to 10 times the tree's diameter at breast height, which can ensure the root system suffers less damage and makes it easier for the tree vigor to recover. If the soil ball is too small, the root damage is severe, causing difficulty in water absorption and affecting tree survival. The soil ball should be dug into a spinning-top shape, not a plate shape or conical shape. The soil ball should be tightly bound with straw rope to prevent it from loosening during transport.
3. Water
Southern magnolia roots are fleshy roots and lose water very easily. Therefore, after digging, transporting, and planting large southern magnolia trees, straw rope should be used to wrap the trunk for about 1.5 m-2 m to reduce water evaporation. In drought, water can be sprayed on the straw rope to maintain a humid environment [9], so as to avoid excessive water loss that affects survival. After southern magnolia is transplanted, the first settling water should be timely and should be enough and thorough, so that the root system can fully contact the soil and large tree survival is favored. If there is excessive rainfall after transplanting, drainage trenches also need to be opened to avoid water accumulation at the roots, which can cause root rot and death of southern magnolia.
4. Pruning branches
Leaf removal: by pruning branches and removing leaves, water evaporation can be reduced and the water supply pressure on the injured root system can be eased. Pruning should remove inner branches, overlapping branches, and diseased and pest-infested branches, and strive to maintain the integrity of the tree shape; leaf removal should preferably remove 1/3 of the leaves on the branches. Otherwise, it will reduce transpiration pull and make it difficult for the root system to absorb water.
5. Application of the efficient rooting agent "Sushenggen" in transplanting large southern magnolia trees
"Sushenggen" is a new, non-toxic, efficient, broad-spectrum plant rooting agent introduced from the United Kingdom by experts from the Zhengzhou Ping'an Landscape Plant Protection Technology Research Institute. Its content is 90% sodium salt original powder and more than thirty active rooting ingredients. Each 20 g bag can be mixed with 2 tons of water for root irrigation of transplanted seedlings. When mixed with 200 kg of water, it can be sprayed on the leaves of transplanted seedlings and can likewise achieve excellent root-promoting effects. Its specific function is the dual function of supplementing exogenous auxins needed for plant rooting and promoting the synthesis of endogenous auxins. It can make adventitious root primordium meristem cells differentiate, producing clustered explosive rooting. In the process of seedling transplanting, it promotes the recovery of injured root systems and is the preferred plant growth regulator for improving the effectiveness of seedling cultivation and transplanting in arid areas. "Sushenggen" has now launched five varieties: general-purpose Sushenggen; special Sushenggen for orchids and osmanthus; special Sushenggen for pines, cypresses, and firs; special Sushenggen for flowering shrubs; and special Sushenggen for walnuts. These five types can all be dissolved directly in water without alcohol or dipping aids, can be stored at room temperature, and are more broad-spectrum.
(1) About 25 days before southern magnolia transplanting, use special orchid and osmanthus Sushenggen at 2 g mixed with 20 kg of water to spray the leaves of the transplanted tree, which can induce a large number of new secondary roots and favor survival after transplanting.
(2) Or after southern magnolia transplanting, use special orchid and osmanthus Sushenggen at 2 g mixed with 40 kg of water for root irrigation of the transplanted tree, and a large number of new secondary roots can be induced in 25-30 days.
(3) Or after southern magnolia transplanting, use special orchid and osmanthus Sushenggen at 2 g mixed with 20 kg of water to spray the leaves of the transplanted southern magnolia, with the same effect as above.
If any one of the above measures can be adopted, the transplanting survival rate can be effectively increased.
Issues to note during use
(1) Metal containers must not be used to prepare the Sushenggen stock solution. Prepare it and use it immediately. The prepared solution must not be left for more than 2 hours.
(2) Special orchid and osmanthus Sushenggen can be used for root irrigation treatment of southern magnolia after transplanting, and can also be sprayed on the leaves.
(3) Sushenggen easily absorbs moisture and becomes paste-like, which does not affect the effect.
6. Other issues to note After transplanting large southern magnolia trees, straw rope should be used to wrap the trunk for about 2 m to reduce water evaporation. In drought, water can be sprayed on the straw rope to create a small humid environment. After planting, support wood should be set up to secure the trunk to prevent swaying and damaging the root system. Generally, driving piles cannot play a fixing role. You can choose 3 m to 4 m long moso bamboo or tripods made of other materials for fixing. If the weather is dry after transplanting, spray water on the crown or set up high-altitude spraying to lower leaf temperature.
Propagation methods of southern magnolia
Southern magnolia is commonly propagated by sowing and grafting.
① Sowing: because the seeds easily lose germination ability, after collecting seeds in October they should be sown immediately. If sowing in spring, they should be stored by stratification with moist sand to avoid the volatilization of the seed oil affecting
the germination rate. Sow in March in spring, seedlings emerge in May, and seedling growth is slow, so sowing should be somewhat dense. After sowing, shade and keep moist, protect from cold in winter, and they can be transplanted the next year to cultivate large seedlings.
② Grafting: Magnolia denudata, Magnolia liliiflora, etc. can be used as rootstock. Perform branch grafting or root grafting in spring, and cut grafting in autumn, with a very high survival rate. Approach grafting can also be carried out in spring.
Grafting seedling cultivation
Southern magnolia grafting commonly uses magnolia (Mulan, Xinyi) as rootstock. Magnolia rootstock is propagated by cuttings or sowing, and can be used as rootstock when its trunk diameter reaches about 0.5 cm. From March to April, take robust branches of southern magnolia with terminal buds as scions. The scions are 5 to 7 cm long, have 1 to 2 axillary buds, and the leaves are cut off. Use the cut grafting method to graft at 3 to 5 cm above the ground on the rootstock. After grafting, mound soil, leaving the top of the scion slightly exposed, to promote wound healing. Side grafting can also be used, with the graft union about 5 to 10 cm above the ground. In some areas, Tianmu magnolia, convex-headed magnolia, etc. are used as rootstock, and grafted seedlings grow faster with more ideal results. Transplanting should be carried out in spring. To improve the survival rate, seedlings must be kept with a soil ball.
Sowing seedling cultivation
1. Harvesting and seed storage: the fruit of southern magnolia matures in September-October. When mature, its fruit splits, exposing the red aril. It needs to be harvested promptly when the fruit is slightly split and the aril has just turned red-yellow. After the fruit is harvested, place it in a shaded place to air for 5-6 days to promote splitting, take out the seeds with aril, soak them in clean water for 1-2 days, rub off the aril and remove shriveled grains. You can also mix with plant ash and rub-wash to remove the aril. Mix the clean white seeds obtained with kerosene or zinc phosphide to prevent mouse damage.
2. Sowing: there are two sowing periods: sowing as soon as collected (autumn sowing) and spring sowing. The seedbed land should choose fertile, loose sandy soil, be deeply turned, and have weeds and insects eliminated, with sufficient base fertilizer applied. After the bed surface is leveled, open sowing furrows 5 cm deep, 5 cm wide, with a furrow spacing of about 20 cm, and sow in rows. Sow the seeds evenly in the furrows, cover with soil, and press lightly.
3. Management of sown seedlings: when the seedlings have 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be transplanted with soil. Because growth is slow during the seedling stage, weed and loosen the soil frequently. From May to July, apply topdressing 3 times, using fully rotted dilute manure water.
Pest and Disease Control for Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia has a well-developed root system and is best suited to deep, well-drained acidic sandy loam. Planting holes should be large and deep, and regardless of seedling size, transplanting should be done with a soil ball. During transplanting, leaves should be thinned to ensure survival. Otherwise, excessive leaf transpiration can cause the whole plant to verge on dying, ultimately forcing heavy pruning that ruins the tree's shape. Fertilize 3 to 4 times a year to promote growth and flowering of the southern magnolia. The fertilization timing is basically the same as for Yulan magnolia. Watering should aim to keep the soil moist, and mist the leaves once every 15 days to keep them clean and dust-free. Increase watering frequency during dry seasons, and ensure good drainage during the plum rain season.
When planted in the open ground, the southern magnolia should be surrounded by trees and shrubs to provide lateral shade, preventing sunscald on the trunk that can cause poor growth. The southern magnolia branches in a regular pattern, and is generally allowed to grow freely without shaping or pruning. For grafted seedlings, rootstock shoots often sprout from the base of the trunk and should be removed promptly. In summer, the trunk of the southern magnolia can be protected by whitewashing or wrapping with straw rope to prevent sunscald. For potted southern magnolia, the growing medium should be a mix of 3 parts leaf mold, 2 parts sand, and some organic fertilizer. During the growing season, apply diluted liquid fertilizer once a week; in summer, water once a day and apply fertilizer solution twice a week; during high temperatures, frequently mist the leaves to cool them. Move into a greenhouse before Frost's Descent; a room temperature of 3°C is sufficient for overwintering. Ensure ventilation and light, water sparingly, keep the soil moist, and mist the leaves once every 15 days to wash off dust. After Qingming Festival, it can be moved out of the greenhouse and placed in a sunny, sheltered spot.
Southern Magnolia Leaf Spot
Symptoms:
Occurs on southern magnolia leaves. Initial lesions are brown round spots, which expand into circular spots with grayish-white centers and reddish-brown outer edges, with chlorosis around the margins; in later stages, the lesions dry up and bear black granular bodies.
Occurrence pattern:
The pathogen overwinters on diseased host residues. The disease is severe during the rainy season and prone to occur under high-temperature and dry conditions.
Control methods:
① Promptly remove diseased residues
② Regularly spray fungicides such as carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl.
Drosicha corpulenta (giant mealybug)
Occurrence pattern: Two generations per year, parasitizing bud axils, tender shoots, leaves, and branches. Peak periods are in July and September.
Optimal control timing: Early to mid-April and mid to late August.
Control agents: Huabao, imidacloprid, etc.
Note: Southern magnolia is also harmed by other scale insects such as Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), Ceroplastes japonicus (Japanese wax scale), Ceroplastes ceriferus (Indian wax scale), and Eulecanium giganteum. Control agents can follow those for Drosicha corpulenta.
Coptotermes formosanus (Taiwan subterranean termite)
Occurrence pattern:
It is amphidromous between soil and wood, with large and relatively concentrated colonies; nests are built in concealed locations. Worker ants forage everywhere through ant trails, and colony dispersal and reproduction are completed through long-winged reproductive ants. The swarming of reproductive ants has strict requirements for temperature, humidity, air pressure, and rainfall. Peak damage periods are May, late June to August.
Control methods:
① Place bait toxins such as "Yike" in ant trails.
② Avoid mechanical damage to trees.
③ Strengthen maintenance and management, and promptly fill holes in trees.
Common pests and diseases of southern magnolia include anthracnose, white alga disease, dry rot, and scale insects. So how should we prevent and treat them?
1. Anthracnose
The disease mostly starts from leaf tips or leaf margins, initially appearing as water-soaked irregular lesions, light coffee-colored, with small black dots on the surface. In later stages, the lesions gradually spread, with large ones reaching about 1/4 of the leaf area. It mainly harms mature or old leaves, and diseased leaves tend to fall off.
Control method: Spray with 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 500 times dilution.
2. White alga disease
In the early stage of the disease, small grayish-white to yellowish-brown round spots appear on the leaf surface, then gradually expand into radial or fibrous textures, with the surface appearing brown and velvety with slight elevation, later becoming grayish-white smooth lesions.
Control method: Pay attention to ventilation and light transmission, and drain promptly after rain; after infection, spray with 50% thiophanate at 500 times dilution for control.
3. Dry rot
The disease mostly occurs on 1- to 2-year-old branches. In the early stage, the cortex becomes soft and easily detaches, and the subcutaneous tissue turns reddish-brown and tends to crack. As the disease progresses, the epidermis gradually dries and turns gray, the subcutaneous tissue becomes dark brown, and small black dots appear.
Control method: Pay attention to protecting pruning wounds and apply protective agents promptly; after infection, apply 70% thiophanate at 800 times dilution for control.
4. Scale insects
Southern magnolia is prone to scale insect damage, among which the shield scale insect is relatively severe, sometimes forming a dense layer on branches. In addition to sucking tree sap, scale insects can also cause sooty mold, leading to poor tree growth. Control method: During the scale insect hatching period, when nymphs have not yet secreted wax, spray with pyrethroid insecticides.
Distribution Range of Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia is native to South America, distributed in North America and the Yangtze River basin and southward in mainland China. In northern areas such as Beijing and Lanzhou, it has been introduced and cultivated artificially.
The southern magnolia is also relatively common in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou in the Yangtze River basin.
Uses and Purposes of Southern Magnolia: Ornamental Value
The southern magnolia has an egg-shaped conical crown, and its twigs and buds are covered with rust-colored hairs. The tree is majestic and magnificent. The southern magnolia has a beautiful tree form and large, fragrant flowers. It is an excellent environmentally friendly courtyard tree, suitable for factory and mining area landscaping, and has a close relationship with human survival.
Greening Role
The southern magnolia is an evergreen tree of the genus Magnolia in the family Magnoliaceae, with a rounded crown and beautiful form. It has a certain degree of cold resistance and is a very good greening tree species.
Medicinal and Dietary Value of Southern Magnolia
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristics
Character identification: Flower buds are conical, 3.5-7 cm long, 1.5-3 cm in basal diameter, light purple or purple-brown (there are also light yellow varieties, as shown in the first image of this entry). Petals 9-12, broadly obovate, with relatively thick white texture, inner layers in lotus petal shape. Stamens numerous, filaments broad and relatively long, anthers yellow-brown and linear. Carpels numerous, densely covered with long hairs. Pedicel 0.5-2 cm long, with distinct nodes. Texture hard, easily broken. Fragrant odor, mild taste.
Chemical Composition
Leaves contain partheflolide, peroxycostunolide, peroxyparthenolide, magnograndiolide, costunolide diepoxide, melanpomagnolide A and B, anonaine, and liriodenine.
The wood contains magnoflorine, candicine, magnolidin, magnolenin, magnosidin, syringin, acanthoside B, magnolenin C, mono-O-methylhonokiol. Root bark contains magnolialide. Seeds contain magnolol, honokiol, 3,5-diallyl-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybiphenyl (i.e., mono-O-methylhonokiol). Seed oil mainly contains hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and β-sitosterol.
In addition, southern magnolia also contains 4,10-dioxo-7-aromadendrene-6-one (cyclocolorenone).
Pharmacological Effects
1. The flower buds have a slow hypotensive effect on anesthetized or non-anesthetized animals
Magnoflorine contained in the bark, after intravenous injection at 2 mg/kg, immediately produces a hypotensive effect in anesthetized cats, reducing blood pressure by 50%-60%, lasting 90-120 min. Intravenous injection at 6 mg/kg also has a significant hypotensive effect in dogs with renal hypertension.
2. Muscle relaxation and ganglion blocking effects
Magnoflorine contained in the bark has curare-like effects and ganglion blocking effects, which can be antagonized by anticholinesterase drugs such as neostigmine bromide.
3. Other effects
The phenolic components in this product also have antibacterial and antifungal effects. Magnolol contained in the bark also has anti-ulcer effects, with 5-200 mg/kg showing significant preventive effects on water-immersion stress ulcers in rats.
Nature and Flavor
Pungent flavor, warm nature.
Meridian tropism: Lung, Stomach, and Liver meridians.
Functions and indications: Dispels wind and disperses cold, promotes qi circulation and relieves pain. Mainly treats exogenous wind-cold, headache with nasal congestion, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, vomiting and diarrhea, hypertension, and migraine.
Usage and dosage: Internal use: decoct in water, flowers 3-10 g; bark 6-12 g. External use: appropriate amount, crush and apply.
Landscape Uses of Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia has thick, glossy leaves, large fragrant flowers, and a majestic and magnificent tree form, making it one of the precious tree species. After its aggregate fruit matures, the follicles split open to reveal bright red seeds, which are also quite attractive. It is best planted as a single specimen on wide, open lawns or arranged into flowering groves. Because of its large crown and flowers blooming at the branch tips, it should not be planted in small courtyards when arranging, otherwise its ornamental effect cannot be fully realized. With large and fragrant flowers, it can be planted as a solitary specimen, in pairs, in groups, or in masses, and can also be used as a street tree.
The southern magnolia has an elegant tree form, remains evergreen through the four seasons, and has few pests and diseases, making it an excellent street tree species. It not only provides necessary shade for pedestrians in summer but also beautifies the street scene well. However, when planting, larger seedlings should be chosen as much as possible, with a trunk diameter of 3-6 cm and a height of about 2.8 m being more suitable. If too small, they are easily damaged; if too large, the transplant survival rate is low. When greening roads, planting southern magnolia together with colored-leaf tree species can produce significant color contrast, making the street scene more vivid and rich in color. In greenbelt applications, interplanting southern magnolia with red-leaf plum and combining it with osmanthus and pittosporum globes not only creates a sense of layering in space but also brings great variation in color, breaking the monotony of sequential space and producing a harmonious sense of rhythm, achieving very good results.
The southern magnolia can be used in courtyards, parks, amusement parks, and cemeteries. Large trees can be planted as solitary specimens in lawns or in rows along pathways; medium and small ones can be planted in groups on flower terraces. The southern magnolia has strong resistance to sulfur dioxide, chlorine gas, and others, and can be planted in areas with severe air pollution. It is particularly harmonious with Western-style architecture, so it is more suitable for Western-style gardens.
Cultural Background of Southern Magnolia: Poetry
The emerald branches, full of strength, draw the wind long; they pierce through the silver flowers, jade-snow fragrance.
The elegant friend knows well the kindness of people's hearts; through the curtain, it gently removes its white rainbow garment.
This is a poem describing the southern magnolia from "Ode to Yulan" by Shen Tong of the Qing Dynasty. Today, it is even more widely praised by people as the "fragrant lotus of the land."
Cultivation History
The southern magnolia tree is native to the Americas and was an extremely precious tree species during the Qing Dynasty. However, in Hefei, an inland city, there are many tall southern magnolia trees, all over a hundred years old. So why were there so many precious southern magnolias over a hundred years ago?
This actually has to do with Li Hongzhang. During the Sino-French War, the Huai Army soldiers fought bravely and defeated the enemy. Huai Army general Liu Mingchuan led troops in bloody battles in Taiwan, China, repelling France, which was then known as a world-class power; famous general Wang Xiaoqi cooperated with Feng Zicai to win the great victory at Zhennanguan, while another Huai Army general, Wu Jie, personally fired cannons while defending Zhenhai, wounding the invading army's leader Courbet. Courbet later died in Penghu from anger and injuries.
When Cixi heard of the victory, she was overjoyed. After the war, rewards were given based on merit, and Huai Army generals were to be granted high official positions and gold, silver, and jewels. Li Hongzhang thought to himself: we Hefei people already hold too many high official positions now; as the saying goes, a tall tree catches the wind, and we have long attracted jealousy. If we receive more rewards, that would be like wearing a straw raincoat to put out a fire, bringing disaster upon ourselves. So he quickly stepped forward and said, "As the saying goes, it takes a thousand days to maintain an army but only a moment to use it. The Huai Army soldiers eat the Qing court's stipend, and it is only right for them to be loyal to the country. It is enough to provide pensions for the wounded and sacrificed soldiers; no additional rewards are needed. Besides, the treasury is empty just after the war, and rewards for the more than 100,000 Huai Army soldiers would not be a small sum."
Cixi said, "I can understand your loyal heart for the country, but if there is no reward at all, it would also be unfair to the Huai Army soldiers who shed blood and sacrificed."
Li Hongzhang thought about it and agreed. Although declining high positions and generous salaries could win a good reputation for the Huai Army, the soldiers had fought bloody battles, and without rewards, morale would be affected, and he would have no way to explain it to the Huai Army generals when he returned. Ah, he had it. Li Hongzhang thought of the American envoy he had just met and suddenly had an idea. The American envoy had brought southern magnolia trees to China. The Huai Army generals had all started from fortified villages, and in Hefei there were fortified villages large and small. If southern magnolia trees bestowed by the Empress Dowager were planted in those villages, how glorious that would be!
With the idea settled, Li Hongzhang said, "I have heard that the American envoy has just presented 108 southern magnolia trees as tribute. Our Huai Army soldiers, no matter how high their official positions, are loyal to the country, and the rank of office makes no difference to them. Gold, silver, and jewels are gone once spent. It would be better for the Empress Dowager to bestow southern magnolias on the Huai Army. The Jianghuai region where our Huai Army is located is suitable for the growth of southern magnolia, and they will surely grow more and more flourishing. Seeing these southern magnolias, we will think of the court's grace toward us, and it will not be in vain that we have been loyal in serving the country."
This made Cixi even happier. She could settle the matter without spending a single coin. "It is rare that you understand the national situation. Very well, approved. Come, bestow all the southern magnolia trees on the Huai Army."
Thus, these 108 southern magnolia trees were transported over a thousand miles back to the Huai Army's hometown of Hefei. Each general who had rendered merit received a southern magnolia to plant in his own courtyard. These southern magnolia trees were majestic and magnificent, with thick, glossy leaves. Everyone who saw them praised them, saying the trees were beautiful and also praising Li Hongzhang for handling matters well.
After Li Hongzhang's death, two southern magnolias and two pomegranates were planted in Li Hongzhang's memorial hall. What a coincidence. A hundred years later, the city tree of Hefei happened to be the southern magnolia, and the city flower was the pomegranate.
In addition, in Liu Laowei, the former residence of Liu Mingchuan, the first governor of Taiwan, China, there is a southern magnolia said to have been planted by Liu Mingchuan himself. The tree is 160 years old and 18 m tall.
At Juxing Central School (Zhang Laowei) in Mingchuan Township, Feixi County, there is a southern magnolia with a tall, upright trunk, growing luxuriantly and producing abundant flowers and fruit. The tree is about 160 years old and 16 m tall. Zhang Laowei was the estate of Zhang Shusheng, a Huai Army general of the Qing Dynasty, and was converted into a middle school after Liberation. This tree was a precious tree bestowed on the Zhang family by Empress Dowager Cixi and had always been relatively well protected. Unfortunately, in the early morning of April 4, 2006, it was struck by lightning, splitting the main leader, and the existing trunk is 7 m. In addition, Empress Dowager Cixi bestowed two southern magnolias on Zhang Laowei at that time. The other one was even thicker and stronger, and died in the 1960s after being blown down by a storm, which is regrettable.
At Nongxing Middle School (Zhou Laowei) in Zipeng Town, Feixi, there is a southern magnolia, 160 years old and 14 m tall. It was also a precious tree bestowed on the Zhou family by Empress Dowager Cixi and had always received special courtesy. The school has built a flower terrace and put up a sign to protect it.
Spiritual Symbol
The southern magnolia belongs to the family Magnoliaceae and is also called Yang Yulan or lotus magnolia. The southern magnolia is an evergreen tree with thick leathery leaves, large fragrant flowers, a majestic and magnificent tree form, a relatively precious species, and a long lifespan. This tree is relatively widely planted in Kunshan. The character "Guang" implies Kunshan's broad-mindedness and magnanimity in embracing all rivers and learning from others' strengths; the character "Yu" implies the city character of "Kunshan has jade, and the jade lies in its people"; the character "Lan" implies Kunqu Opera, the "ancestor of all operas," as this "orchid of the opera garden." Moreover, these three characters are basically open vowels, with beautiful tones. In addition, the southern magnolia is also the city tree of Changzhou. It was approved on March 22, 1983, by the third session of the Eighth Changzhou Municipal People's Congress, designating the southern magnolia as the city tree of Changzhou. It symbolizes Changzhou's vigorous and upward spirit.
National Flower and City Flower Status of Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia is the city tree of Changzhou, Nantong, and Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, Hefei in Anhui Province, and Yuyao in Zhejiang Province.
Flower Language of Southern Magnolia
The flower language of southern magnolia: endless life, passed down from generation to generation. Another saying for the flower language of southern magnolia: beautiful, noble and pure, fragrant, and pure.
Southern Magnolia Images