Magnolia yunnanensis Seeds | Yunnan Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia yunnanensis
COMMON NAME: Yunnan Magnolia
Plant Profile
Yunnan Magnolia (Magnolia yunnanensis) grows as a tree in the magnolia family. The Yunnan magnolia creams tall, elegant tree with large, glossy, oval leaves and big, bowl-shaped, creamy-white flowers with many fleshy petals that open through early summer, the whole tree carrying the soft, fragrant bloom. It likes sun or part shade, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Magnolia yunnanensis ranges from the botany of the magnolia family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. In the magnolia family, the Yunnan species has a recognised place in studies of large-flowered trees, and it appears in research on flower biology and cool, moist forest growth. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Yunnan Magnolia has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In cool garden, the Yunnan magnolia creams branches with fragrant petals. Creamy flowers scent garden through early summer and feed beetles and bees, glossy leaves keep handsome form, and tree stands cool, moist weather well. It grows in deep, moist, well-drained ground. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Magnolia bark, Hou Po, is a major Chinese herb for moving qi, easing fullness and calming wheeze, and its honokiol and magnolol are among the most studied natural anxiolytic compounds, now appearing in modern supplements and even toothpaste.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Yunnan Magnolia, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray partial shade. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Yunnan Magnolia repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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