[Pierre Magnol, botanist]
12 Genera (2 on campus)
220 species
I. Leaves
A. Alternate
B. Simple
C. Stipulate - scars encircle twig
II. Flowers
A. Large, showy
B. Perfect
C. Numerous spirally arranged stamens and
pistils
III. Fruits
A. Conelike aggregates of
1. Follicles
(Magnolia)
2. Samaras (Liriodendron)
IV. Economic Importance
A. Veneer for cabinets & furniture
B. Wood pulp for paper
C. Ornamental
V. Range
A. E.USA -> C. America; West Indies -> E.
Brazil; SE AsiaGeneric comparison
I. Liriodendron (Yellow-poplar, Tuliptree)
[Lily tree]
A. Lobed leaves with truncate or notched apices
B. Diaphragmed pith
C. Fast growing, valuable timer tree
D. L. tulipfera
[Tulip bearing]
II. Magnolia
A. Unlobed leaves with acute to obtuse apices
B. Homogeneous or inconspicuously diaphragmed
pith
C. Scarlet seeds dangle on slender threads
from follicles
at maturitySpecies
comparison
I. M. grandiflora (Southern; Evergreen
Magnolia)
[showy flower]
A. Flowers with 6-12 large white tepals
B. Leathery, evergreen leaves with reddish
brown pubescence
C. Buds & twigs with reddish brown pubescence
II. M. virginiana (Sweetbay)
A. Flowers with creamy white tepals
B. Deciduous to semi-evergreen glaucous and
white pubescent
leaves with
distinct oder
C. Buds & twigs sparse pubescence
III M. macrophylla (Large-leaved Cucumber
Tree)
[large-leaved]
A. Flowers with large white fragrant tepals
B. Very large (30 - 100 cm long) deciduous
leaves
with auricled
or cordate base.
C. Pubescent buds/branches
III. Species with Deciduous leaves, Tomentose buds, and Pubescent
Leaves
A. M. acuminata
(Cucumber Tree)
[acuminate]
1. Yellow flowers
2. 15-25 cm
long leaf blades
3. > 2 cm petioles
B. M. soulangiana (Saucer Magnolia)
1. Pink flowers
2. =>12.5 cm
long leaf blades
3. => 8 cm long
fruit
C. M. stellata
(Star Magnolia)
[starlike]
1. White flowers
2. < 12.5
cm long leaf blades
3. 5 cm long
fruit
