Chinese Magnolia, Japanese umbrella magnolia
Magnolia obovata

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 20-30 m high and spreads 4 m wide. The stem is erect and stout. It branches. The leaves are large and sword shaped. They are 40 cm long and narrow at the base. The flowers are creamy white. They are 20 cm across and cup shaped. They have a sweet scent. The fruit are bright red. There are 1-2 shiny seeds in each follicle.

There are 125 Magnolia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in well-composted acid soils. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, France, India, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, SE Asia, Spain, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Young leaves and flower buds are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. Older leaves are powdered and sprinkled on food as a flavouring.

Edible parts

Leaves, flower buds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and also cuttings or air-layering.

Its other names

Local names

Ho-no-ki, Silver obovata

Synonyms

Magnolia hypoleuca Siebold. & Zucc.;