What kind of woody plant is the magnolia? Let us introduce you to the magnolia

Other names of the magnolia

The magnolia is a deciduous tree of the family Magnoliaceae. It is a woody plant and has other names such as "white magnolia", "spring-welcoming flower" and "Yutang spring".

Morphological characteristics of the magnolia

The whole magnolia can reach up to 25 m in height. Its crown is broad, formed by spreading branches. The bark is dark gray, with a rough surface and natural fissures, and the branches are fairly thick, basically grayish brown.

The magnolia grows papery leaves that are obovate or obovate-elliptic. The front part of the leaf is broadly rounded and dark green, while the rear part gradually tapers to a point and is light green, and the leaves bear soft hairs.

The magnolia flower buds are ovate. The flowers open before the leaves emerge, and the flowers are about 10-16 cm in diameter. They come in rich colors, commonly white and pink, and have a fragrant scent.

Growth habits of the magnolia

The magnolia needs plenty of light to grow, and it has good cold resistance, so it can overwinter safely outdoors.

A dry environment suits its growth. Cultivating it in a low-humidity environment easily leads to root rot from long-term waterlogging.

Fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil with excellent drainage is most beneficial to the plant's development, but weakly alkaline soil can also be used for cultivation.

When magnolias are planted in the south, because the temperature is higher, they can bloom from December to January of the following year.

The magnolia can also resist the threat of certain harmful gases and has a special ability to "absorb sulfur". Therefore, the magnolia is also regarded as an excellent anti-pollution greening tree species and is widely planted in areas with air pollution.

Value and uses of the magnolia

Ornamental value: As a famous ornamental flowering tree species in China, the magnolia's open flowers are shaped like sacred lotus blossoms, with petals spreading in all directions. Planted in groups in courtyards and parks, they can form dazzling masses of white flowers and have extremely high ornamental value.

Medicinal value: Magnolia flowers contain a variety of vitamins and alkaloids, as well as a unique volatile oil. After being used as medicine, they have effects such as opening the lungs and clearing the nose, and dispelling wind and dispersing cold. They can also treat symptoms such as headache, menstrual pain and rhinitis to a certain extent, and they also have a good inhibitory effect on skin fungi.

Edible value: Because magnolia flowers are rich in a variety of vitamins, trace elements and amino acids, they can also be brewed into tea drinks, and there are also some dishes made by using magnolia flowers as an ingredient.

The flower language of the magnolia

The pure white flowers that the magnolia blooms amid the lush green, accompanied by their rich fragrance, naturally give rise to a beautiful longing and feeling. They usually symbolize "gratitude for kindness received".