Large-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Appearance: Very impressive tree with a wide, spreading and quite dense crown, at a later age spherical, vaulted. Height up to 20–25 m; free-standing trees have almost the same width, what height.
Smooth bark, matte gray or gray-black-na, Strong shoots, velvety pubescent to a red-brown color. Conical buds, slightly oblique have about 15 mm in length, in front are brownish pubescent.
Evergreen lent, about the length 8-15 cm and width 6-9 cm are oblong-elliptical and widest above the center of the lamina; very stiff, leathery and hard. Generally flat or only slightly wavy on the edge, whole-shore, on top shiny, dark green and bare, brighter and densely rusty red underneath, felt hairy. Petioles have about 2,5 cm in length, are thick and, as well as the lower side of the leaf and shoots, densely, rusty red or bmnatnored red pubescent.
Flowers at the ends of twigs, Fragrant, initially narrow-conical and pointed, at the time of flowering they open calyx-like, and finally they spread widely and then they have a width 20-25 cm. The perianth consists of six pure white or creamy white leaflets and several leaflets similar to calyx sepals.
Fruit in the form of cone-shaped formations of length 5 cm and width 2-3 cm has characteristic permanent scars from the base of the leaflets of the perianth at the base.
Occurrence: Species originally growing wild only in the southeastern part of the USA, now often used as an ornamental tree.
Flowering period: From July to November.
General thoughts: Large-leaved Magnolia, which is found only in such areas, where it is not exposed to too long drought, belongs undoubtedly to the most beautiful representatives of the genus magnolia. Its large flowers contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage. In the summer, cone-shaped fruit-bearing plants are formed from very numerous ovules, from which ripe seeds hang outwards on long stems, like a bait on a rod. Related species
Magnolia holm (A pointed magnolia) has a naked, slightly shiny shoots and leaves, the upper side of which is usually dark green, and the lower – lighter and slightly pubescent. It is native to the eastern and central areas of the United States and is only occasionally planted in parks and gardens. Similar is the naked magnolia f.Magnolia denudata). It has a height of only 2-4 m and unlike Magnolia acuminata, blooms before leaves appear. Draws attention with its very large, Simple, bell-shaped flowers. Originally from East Asia and is often planted in Central Europe in parks and gardens as a small shrub or tree. Very large and clearly built magnolia flowers – despite its beautiful form – are very simple creations in terms of construction.