Magnolia kobus
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Magnolia genus in the family Magnoliaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Genus
- Magnolia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- moderate
- Height
- 12 m
- Spread
- 7 m
- Fertility
- Beetles
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Beetles
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Flowers and flower buds - cooked[3][5]. The leaves are eaten or used to make a tea[5]. Older leaves are powdered and sprinkled on foods as a flavouring[5].
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Product or use
- Tea
- Plant part
- Flowers
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Treats headaches[2].
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Wood - soft, light. Used for engraving, utensils, matches etc[10][12].
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy, Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan.
- Habitat
- Hills and bases of mountains all over Japan[11].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[8]. 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[8]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in early summer[9].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[1]. Succeeds in acid or neutral soils in sun or part shade[6]. Fairly lime tolerant[8][9]. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required[8]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[8]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -28°c[8]. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[4]. Plants take 10 - 15 years to flower after being planted out[9]. The leaves are slightly aromatic[7]. Very closely related to M. stellata, differing in having 3 narrow sepals and 6 - 9 broader petals.
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202