White champaca tree
Michelia alba

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 25 m tall. The twigs are grey and hairy. The leaves are alternate or in spirals. They are green with spots that let light through. There are many flowers that are white.

There are about 45 Michelia species. There are tropical.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in primary forest up to 1,600 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia, SE Asia, Singapore, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers are used for scenting tea.

Edible parts

Flowers - scent

How it is grown

It can be grown by air layers or cuttings. They can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Ginko-boku, Pohon campaka putih, Yu-lan

Synonyms

It is probably a hybrid between Michelia champaca & M. montana; Michelia longifolia var. racemosa Blume;