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Magnolia officinalis - Rehder.&E.H.Wilson.

Common Name Hou Po
Family Magnoliaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Alpine and hilly areas[147]. Forests at elevations of 300 - 1500 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - W. China.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Magnolia officinalis Hou Po


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Magnolia officinalis Hou Po
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Magnolia officinalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial  Antiseptic  Antispasmodic  Aphrodisiac  Appetizer  Digestive  Diuretic  Emmenagogue  
Expectorant  Ophthalmic  Stomachic  Tonic

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[254]. Ophthalmic[46, 61, 109, 174]. The flowers are an aromatic digestive tonic[238]. A decoction of the flower buds is an esteemed emmenagogue in China, their use is therefore contraindicated for pregnant women[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of abdominal distension, shortness of breath etc[176, 238]. They are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The stem bark is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stomachic and tonic[46, 61, 109, 147, 174, 176, 218]. The bark is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, gastro-enteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and coughs with acute phlegm[147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. It does not store well so stocks should be renewed annually[238]. The plant is digestive and stomachic[218]. Extracts of the plant contain bactericidal compounds and an essential oil, they are effective against salmonella[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

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

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[1]. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required[200]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[200]. Hardy to about -10°c[200]. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[182].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant 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[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng (south), Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng (north), Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu (north), Guizhou Sheng (north & east), Hubei Sheng (west), Hunan Sheng (southwest), Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Zhejiang Sheng (w. & s.))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Rehder.&E.H.Wilson.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Robert Whitman   Sun Oct 20 00:40:18 2002

I have planted this tree in Kansas City (Zone 5) and has survived 2 winters, one was a brutal one. It is my most beautiful tree. It is 10' tall and growing very well. Time will tell if it is 100% hardy for me, but no damage so far!

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Subject : Magnolia officinalis  
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