Star Magnolia

'Threatened by collectors'

This large, slow growing Magnolia, which can reach heights of 5 m, in its native habitat, is a bush or small tree. The young twigs are purplish in colour; older twigs are brown. Leaves are bright green. In the winter the large, grey, hairy flower buds are very prominent on the bare bushes. In March and April the buds open before, or whilst, the leaves appear. The white or pink, fragrant, star-shaped flowers with 12-18 perianths of tepals gracing an otherwise naked bush are one of the first flowers indicating that spring is almost there. During this time it is vulnerable to night frosts. Star magnolias have orange seeds. It is popular as an ornamental shrub because of its compact form and early flowers, and thus perfectly suited to small gardens. The genus name was given in honour of the French professor and botanist, P. Magnol (1638-1715).

Ecology and habitat

Magnolia stellata originates from Japan and is part of the endemic flora in the Tokai region of Honshu, the largest island. It grows in hills, valleys, terraces and riverbeds and in humid, marshy places, up to an altitude of 30 – 550 m.

Threat

One of the problems faced by the wild populations of Magnolia stellata is the formation of the seed. The flowers of this species do not all open at the same time so that pollination is left to chance. Further fragmentation of its native habitat is having a direct effect on the survival of this species. Populations of Magnolia stellata are also declining as a result of habitat destruction, increased urbanisation and illegal collecting.