Herb latin name: Magnolia grandiflora


Synonyms: Magnolia foetida, Magnolia virginiana foetida


Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)



Medicinal use of Magnolia grandiflora:

The bark is diaphoretic, stimulant, tonic. It is used in the treatment of malaria and rheumatism. A decoction has been used as a wash and a bath for prickly heat itching. The decoction has also been used as a wash for sores and as a steam bath for treating dropsy. An alcoholic extract of the plant reduces the blood pressure, produces a slight acceleration in respiration but has no action on the heart.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
10 m
(33 feet)

Flowering:
June to
September

Scent:
Scented
Tree

Habitat of the herb:

Hammocks, sand dunes, buffs and sandy bottoms. Rich moist soils. Always found in lowland areas, never above 105 metres altitude

Edible parts of Magnolia grandiflora:

The flowers are pickled in some parts of England and are considered to have an exquisite flavour. They are also said to be used as a spice and a condiment.

Other uses of the herb:

A fairly wind-tolerant tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings. An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. Wood - hard and fairly heavy, but weak and not durable. White when first cut, it turns brown on exposure to air. It is used in limited amounts for fuel, baskets, crates, woodenware and furniture.

Propagation of Magnolia grandiflora:

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. 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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Hammocks, sand dunes, buffs and sandy bottoms. Rich moist soils. Always found in lowland areas, never above 105 metres altitude

Known hazards of Magnolia grandiflora:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.