Houpu magnolia

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Houpu Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) is a species of Magnolia native to the mountains and valleys of China at altitudes of 300-1500 m.

It is a deciduous tree growing to 20m in height. The bark is thick and brown but does not fissure. The leaves are broad, ovate, 20-40 cm long and 11-20 cm broad. The flowers are fragrant, 10-15 cm wide, with 9-12 (rarely to 17) white tepals, and appear from May to June.

There are two varieties:

Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Leaves with a notch at the apex. Only known in cultivation, possibly a cultigen, not a true variety.
Magnolia officinalis var. officinalis. Leaves with an acute apex.

It differs very little from Magnolia obovata; the only consistent difference between them is that the fruit aggregate of M. officinalis has a rounded base, while that of M. obovata has an acute base. Further research may show it to be better treated as a subspecies of M. obovata (Hunt 1998).

Uses

The bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as houpu. The highly aromatic bark contains magnolol and honokiol, two polyphenolic compounds that have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-angiogenic properties. Magnolia bark also has been shown to reduce allergic and asthmatic reactions. The bark is stripped from the stems, branches, and roots. Cultivated supplies today produce most of the bark for commercial and domestic use.

References and external links

Hunt, D. (ed). (1998). Magnolias and their allies. International Dendrology Society and Magnolia Society. ISBN 0-9517234-8-0
[Flora of China: Magnoliaceae (draft account)]
[Photos of flowers and foliage]

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