[Smart Farmers] Magnolias are both beautiful and talented: they are more than just for viewing

In China, flowers bloom in May in Beijing, in April in Henan, in March in Shanghai, but in Kunming and Guangzhou, flowers bloom as early as February.

What is the plant that travels across China from south to north in early spring, lingering with its rich fragrance for months?

It turns out that it is the white magnolia that is sensitive to temperature.

White magnolia, also known as magnolia, was named after Wang Xiangjin of the Ming Dynasty who praised it in "Qunfangpu" for its "white color with a slight green, and fragrance like orchid". It is a deciduous tree of the genus Yulania (Yulania denudata) in the family Magnoliaceae.

Magnoliaceae is an ancient higher plant, widely distributed in Asia and America. The cultivation history of white magnolia can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period 2,500 years ago. Qu Yuan once wrote in "Li Sao": "In the morning, I drink the dew of magnolia, and in the evening, I eat the fallen petals of autumn chrysanthemum."

The "beautiful" magnolia

Magnolia is a species endemic to China. It likes light and is relatively cold-resistant. It can overwinter in the open in the sheltered and sunny places in North China. Its winter buds (flower buds) are already very fat, and because they are afraid of the cold, they are covered with a thick layer of light gray-yellow long silk hairs. The proud branches are particularly like huge brush heads, which are very eye-catching on the dull branches in winter.

The magnolia flowers bloom before the leaves in early spring, shaped like a lotus, with a diameter of more than 15 cm, upright, plump and fragrant; the 9 thick perianth petals are white and shiny, with a pink halo at the base, making it difficult to distinguish between the calyx and petals.

In April, the magnolias sprouted and spread their leaves. The broad obovate leaves should have wide, rounded and flat tips, but suddenly a short, thin tail stretched out from the slightly concave center, revealing a playful and cute look in the refreshing atmosphere. There are several rings at the base of the petiole, just like wearing several bracelets. This structure is called stipule scar, which is a common feature of all plants in the Magnoliaceae family.

In September, magnolias produce cylindrical aggregate follicles (cylindrical infructescence is often bent in garden cultivation because some carpels are sterile). These fruits often open with a "snap" in the autumn wind, revealing the red outer seed coat inside. The fruits are extremely beautiful and radiant against the plain brown woody rind.

In China, flowers bloom in May in Beijing, in April in Henan, in March in Shanghai, but in Kunming and Guangzhou, flowers bloom as early as February.

What is the plant that travels across China from south to north in early spring, lingering with its rich fragrance for months?

It turns out that it is the white magnolia that is sensitive to temperature.

White magnolia, also known as magnolia, was named after Wang Xiangjin of the Ming Dynasty who praised it in "Qunfangpu" for its "white color with a slight green, and fragrance like orchid". It is a deciduous tree of the genus Yulania (Yulania denudata) in the family Magnoliaceae.

Magnoliaceae is an ancient higher plant, widely distributed in Asia and America. The cultivation history of white magnolia can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period 2,500 years ago. Qu Yuan once wrote in "Li Sao": "In the morning, I drink the dew of magnolia, and in the evening, I eat the fallen petals of autumn chrysanthemum."

The "beautiful" magnolia

Magnolia is a species endemic to China. It likes light and is relatively cold-resistant. It can overwinter in the open in the sheltered and sunny places in North China. Its winter buds (flower buds) are already very fat, and because they are afraid of the cold, they are covered with a thick layer of light gray-yellow long silk hairs. The proud branches are particularly like huge brush heads, which are very eye-catching on the dull branches in winter.

The magnolia flowers bloom before the leaves in early spring, shaped like a lotus, with a diameter of more than 15 cm, upright, plump and fragrant; the 9 thick perianth petals are white and shiny, with a pink halo at the base, making it difficult to distinguish between the calyx and petals.

In April, the magnolias sprouted and spread their leaves. The broad obovate leaves should have wide, rounded and flat tips, but suddenly a short, thin tail stretched out from the slightly concave center, revealing a playful and cute look in the refreshing atmosphere. There are several rings at the base of the petiole, just like wearing several bracelets. This structure is called stipule scar, which is a common feature of all plants in the Magnoliaceae family.

In September, magnolias produce cylindrical aggregate follicles (cylindrical infructescence is often bent in garden cultivation because some carpels are sterile). These fruits often open with a "snap" in the autumn wind, revealing the red outer seed coat inside. The fruits are extremely beautiful and radiant against the plain brown woody rind.

Stipule traces

The arrows in the picture point to the traces of stipules.

Magnolia with talent

Magnolia not only has a beautiful appearance, it also has a wide range of uses in gardening, environmental protection and other fields. It is a plant with both talent and beauty.

1. Ornamental value

The magnolia tree has a straight shape, with naturally wide and evenly spread branches. In spring and summer, the tree crown is lush and green. It looks upright from a distance and elegant up close, just like the "gentleman's posture". Its flowers are like "jade and snow" and its fragrance is subtle and elegant. It is the first choice of famous tree for planting in gardens.

Magnolia not only gives people the meaning of "pointing through the silver flowers and jade snow fragrance", but also has the auspicious meaning of "piling up silver and building jade". In classical garden architecture, especially royal gardens, magnolia is often planted in front of the hall, behind the yard or around the pavilion. The ancients put it on a par with crabapple, peony and osmanthus, and called it "Jade Hall of Wealth" (if magnolia is planted with crabapple and peony, it means "Jade Hall of Wealth"; if it is planted with golden osmanthus, it means "Golden and Jade Full of Hall").

2. Environmental protection and industrial value

Magnolia grows rapidly, has strong adaptability, and is less susceptible to diseases and pests, making it very suitable as a street tree. When it is in full bloom, strolling along the magnolia path, enjoying the fragrance of the flowers along the way, is a relaxing and pleasant experience.

Magnolia has strong resistance to toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide and chlorine, and can purify the ecological environment. It is an excellent anti-pollution greening tree species in factory and mining areas.

In addition, the trunk of the magnolia tree is tall and straight, reaching a height of 20 meters. It has been an excellent material for building houses, making ships and oars since ancient times.

3. Medicinal value

According to "Compendium of Materia Medica", magnolia has the effects of dispelling wind and cold, opening the orifices, promoting lung function and clearing the nose, and can be used for symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, and allergic rhinitis.

In addition to its medicinal uses, magnolia flowers also contain aromatic oils that can be extracted to prepare essences or extracts, which have an inhibitory effect on common skin fungi. Its tepals can also be used to steam cakes or smoke tea, which has the effect of eliminating phlegm and benefiting the lungs. In addition, its black seeds can also be pressed for oil for industrial use.

Scientific review: Hu Dongmei, Senior Laboratory Technician, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University

Author: Wang Jue, Associate Professor, Beijing Forestry University

Hand-drawn illustrations: Xia Xinyi, student of the Middle School Affiliated to University of Science and Technology Beijing

Editor: Xie Yun

Proofreader: Han Chengguo (internship)