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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Magnolia officinalis.

Material uses

Wood - fine grained. It is said to be a useful wood.

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[1].

Ophthalmic[2][3][4][5]. The flowers are an aromatic digestive tonic[6]. A decoction of the flower buds is an esteemed emmenagogue in China, their use is therefore contraindicated for pregnant women[7]. The flowers are used in the treatment of abdominal distension, shortness of breath etc[8][6]. They are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried[6]. The stem bark is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stomachic and tonic[2][3][4][9][5][8][7]. The bark is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, gastro-enteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and coughs with acute phlegm[9][5][8][7][6]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[6]. It does not store well so stocks should be renewed annually[6]. The plant is digestive and stomachic[7].

Extracts of the plant contain bactericidal compounds and an essential oil, they are effective against salmonella[7].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Canopy or Secondary canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

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[10]. 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[10].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Magnolia officinalis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[11]. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required[10]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[10].

Hardy to about -10°c[10].

The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[12].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Magnolia officinalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Magnolia officinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Magnolia officinalis
Genus
Magnolia
Family
Magnoliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Magnolia officinalis Rogów.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae. ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    11. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    12. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    13. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-11
    14. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)

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