THE 



TREES OF AMEEICA. 



Genus MAGNOLIA, Linn. 



Magnoliaceae. 



Syst. Nat. 



Synonymes 



Polyandria Polyg^ynia. 



Syst. Lin. 



Of Authors. 



Magnoia, 



Magnolier, Fkance. 



Magnolie, Gurkenbaum, Bieberbaum, Germany. 



. Spain, Italy, Britain, and 



xMagnolia, | Anglo-America. 



Derivations. The name Magnolia \va.s given to this genus by Linnteiis in honour of M. Pierre Mapnol, a digtinsnished 

 botanist of Monlpelier, in France. The German name, Gurkenbaum, means Cucumber-tree; and Bieberbaum signifies 

 Beaver-lree, which is sometimes applied in America to the Magnolia glauca. 



Generic Characters. Calyx of 3 deciduous sepals, that resemble petals. Corolla of from 6 9 petals. Sta 

 mens numerous. Pistils numerous. Carpels disposed compactly in spikes, opening by the external angle, 



1 2-seeded, permanent. Seeds baccate, somewhat cordate, pendulous, hanging out beyond the carpels 



by a very long umbilical thread. Trees and shrubs with large, entire leaves, and solitary, terminal, 

 large, odoriferous flowers. Don, 3Iiller's Diet. 



HE genus Magnolia embraces the most admirable productions of 

 the vegetable world. All the species are highly ornamental,, 

 and may generally be cultivated in most parts of Britain, the 

 middle and southern states of Europe and of North America, 

 without protection during winter. But, in Russia, and the 

 northern parts of Britain, Germany, Sweden, and of the United 

 States, the less hardy kinds are green-house plants. Few of 

 the species ripen their seeds in England, but most of them do in France. The 

 American species are generally produced from seeds ; but those from Asia are 

 increased by layers, or by inarching, and in some cases from seeds. 



Geographical Distribution. The native country of the most hardy mag- 

 nolias is North America ; but there are some hardy species found in China, 

 Japan, and probably in Hindoostan. No tree of this genus has hitherto been 

 found indigenous to Europe, Africa, South America, nor Australia; and the 

 geographical range of the order Magnoliacese in America and Asia is compara- 

 tively limited. 



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