Magnolias
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus: Magnolia
Magnolia are beautiful flowering plants. Tracing their evolution confirms that they have been around for a very long time. This primitive plant genus consists of approximately 210 species. They are native to eastern North America, Central America, the West Indies, as well as eastern parts of Asia. The name Magnolia derives from the French botanist Pierre Magnol from Montpellier.
Magnolia are appreciated and grown for not only their beauty, but their fragrance, as well. The Magnolia flowers can be purple, pink or white. The flower size of the Magnolia can range from 3-12 inches in diameter. The flowers appear along with or before the leaves. Magnolia blossoms occur at the tree branches' tips.
Today, various Magnolia species, along with numerous hybrids, are grown for decorative purposes in locations where they normally would not occur. Such places include Europe, Australia and extensive areas of North America.
Magnolia grandiflora is the official state flower of both the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. Mississippi is frequently referred to as the "Magnolia State" because of the abundance of the Magnolia flowers. Mississippi's state tree is the Magnolia, as well.
Magnolia Trivia
- Magnolia have evolved prior to the arrival of bees
- Carpels of Magnolia flowers are tough
- Magnolia lack distinct sepals or petals
- Magnolia are food for the larvae of the Giant Leopard Moth
- Houston, Texas' oldest nickname is "The Magnolia City"
- Magnolia seeds may remain dormant for 15-20 years
- Magnolia fruit size can range between 1-8 inches
- Magnolia have been used for medicinal purposes in China
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