Michelia macclurei Seeds | Macclure’s Michelia
LATIN NAME: Michelia macclurei
COMMON NAME: MacClure’s Michelia
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, MacClure’s Michelia (Michelia macclurei) is a tall, evergreen tree in the magnolia family. Flowers appear among new foliage, and tree grows into stately, upright form. It likes sun or light shade, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the magnolia family, Michelia macclurei draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Within magnolia family, michelia group stands out in research on large, fragrant flowers and warm-climate evergreen growth, and macclurei species appears in studies of scent chemistry and fast humid-forest growth. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, MacClure’s Michelia has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In warm garden, the MacClure’s michelia cups white, scented blooms through spring air. Perfume carries some distance, flowers feed beetles that visit magnolia family, and timber serves light construction and the joinery. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny ground with shelter from cold wind. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Michelia flowers are among the most fragrant in existence, perfuming temples and yielding absolute for fine perfumery; in southern Asia the flowers and bark have folk medicinal records.
Growing from Seed
Starting MacClure’s Michelia from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
MacClure’s Michelia has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Careful watering early on is rewarded by toughness at maturity.
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