Hou Po
Magnolia officinalis
Family: Magnoliaceae
What it is like
Magnolia officinalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Alpine and hilly areas. Forests at elevations of 300 - 1500 metres.
E. Asia - W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
Hou Po has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 2,000 years. The aromatic, pungent and warming bark is used in the treatment of various disorders of the digestive system. Ophthalmic. The flowers are an aromatic digestive tonic. A decoction of the flower buds is an esteemed emmenagogue in China, their use is therefore contraindicated for pregnant women. The flowers are used in the treatment of abdominal distension, shortness of breath etc. They are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried. The stem bark is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stomachic and tonic. The bark is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, gastro-enteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and coughs with acute phlegm. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It does not store well so stocks should be renewed annually. The plant is digestive and stomachic. Extracts of the plant contain bactericidal compounds and an essential oil, they are effective against salmonella.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Appetizer: Improves the appetite
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Wood - fine grained. It is said to be a useful wood.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Hardy to about -10°c. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist