Genus LIRIODENDRON, Linn. 
Magnoliaceae. 
Syst. Nat. 
Polyandria Polygynia. 
Syst. Lin. 
Derivation. The name of this genus is derived from the Greek leirion, a lily, and dendron, a tree ; from the resemblance 
af its flowers to the lily, but more nearly to the tulip. 
Generic Characters. Carpels 1 2-seeded, disposed in spikes, indehiscent, deciduous, drawn out into a 
wing at the apex. Calyx of 3 deciduous sepals. Corolla of 6 petals, conniving into a bell-shaped 
flower. Don, Miller's Diet. 
IRIODENDRON is a genus comprising but one species, a tree 
of the first rank, native of North America, and extensively culti- 
vated for ornament, in Europe, and America. 
Among the Magnoliaceae, there are probably other trees, adapted 
to the climate of the United States, that are worthy of cultivation, 
among which, are the Magnolia insignis, of Dr. Wallich, growing 
on the mountains of Nepal; also, the Michelia lanuginosa, excelsa, kisopa, and 
doltsopa, all of which are indigenous to the elevated regions of the Himalayas. 
The Michelia doltsopa is one of the finest trees of Nepal, yielding a fragrant 
wood, much used in that country in civil architecture. The Michelia excelsa, 
according to Dr. Wallich, produces a valuable timber, of a fine texture, at first 
greenish, but soon changing to a fine yellow. 
