2*2 ARBORETUM ET FRUTICETLM BRITANNICUM. 



Gen. Char. Calyx of 3 deciduous sepals, that resemble petals. Corolla of 

 from 6 9 petals. Stamens 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 car- 

 pels by a very long umbilical white thread. 



Leaves simple, alternate, stipulate, deciduous or evergreen ; entire, large, 

 oblong or oval, stipulate. Flowers terminal, solitary, large, odoriferous. 

 Seed large, roundish, produced in conical strobiles. Trees and shrubs, 

 natives of North America and Asia. 



One of the species is a lofty evergreen tree; but the others are decidu- 

 ous, and partly trees and partly shrubs. The seeds are mostly of a scarlet 

 colour. The roots are branched, and yet but sparingly supplied with 

 fibres. Magnolias may be cultivated in most parts of Britain, and of the 

 middle and southern states of Europe ; but, north of London and Paris, some 

 of the species require protection during winter, or to be kept in the green- 

 house. A deep sandy soil, and a situation sheltered from the north and east, 

 will suit most of the species ; though some, as M. glauca, for example, thrive 

 best in a moist peaty soil. Few of the species ripen seeds in England, but 

 most of them do so in France. From these seeds, or from such as -are im- 

 ported, all the American species, except M. grandirlora, are most frequently 

 raised ; but the species from Asia are increased by layers, as are occasionally 

 some of the more rare of the American species. In no case whatever would 

 we recommend purchasing any species of magnolia not grown in a pot ; 

 because plants so grown may be sent to any distance without injury to the 

 roots, which are few and succulent, and easily damaged by exposure to the 

 air and light. The hardy species of this genus are included in two sections, 

 Magnohaslrum and 



i. Magnohastrum. 



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 \ 



Derivation, Magndli* ; and astrum, from ad instar, an affixed particle, signifying likeness. 



Sect. Char. American species, with one spathe-like bractea enclosing the 

 flower-bud ; ovaries approximate ; anthers bursting outwards. (Don's 

 Mill., i. p. 83.) 



i 1. MAGNO'L/^ GRANDIFLO^RA L. The large-flowered Magnolia. 



Identification. Lin. Sp., 755.; Dec. Prod., 1. p. 80. ; Don's Mill., 1. p. 82. ; Tor. and Grav, 

 1. p. 42. 



Synonymes. Laurel-leaved Magnolia, the large-flowered evergreen Magnolia, the Laurel Bay, big 

 Laurel, the large Magnolia ; Laurier tulipier, Fr. in Louisiana ; Magnolie a grandes Fle 

 Fr. : grossblumiger Magnolie, or Bieberbaum (Beaver-wood Tree), Ger. 



Laurel, the large Magnolia ; Laurier tulipier, Fr. in Louisiana ; Magnolie a grandes Fleurs, 

 Fr. : grossblumiger Magnolie, or Bieberbaum (Beaver-wood Tree), Ger. 

 Engravings. Mill. Ic., 2. t. 172. ; the plate in vol. v. of Arb. Brit. 1st edit. ; and our fig. 34. 



Spec. Char., fyc. Evergreen. Leaves oval-oblong, coriaceous, upper surface 

 shining, under surface rusty. Flowers erect, 9 12 petals, expanding. (Don's 

 Mill.) A large evergreen tree. North Carolina. Height in North 

 America 60 ft. to 70 ft. ; in England 20 ft. to 30 ft. Introduced in 1737. 

 Flowers white, fragrant ; June to September. Strobile brown, with scarlet 

 seeds ; ripe in October. Decaying leaves yellow and orange, dropping in 

 June. Young wood green. 



Varieties. 



i M . g. 2 obovata Ait. Leaves obovate-oblong. Flowers expanded. 

 (Hort. Kew., iii. p. 329.) This seems to be the only variety found 

 in a wild state. In British gardens it is a magnificent plant, the 

 broad ends of its leaves forming a conspicuous feature, and distin- 

 guishing it readily from the original species, the leaves of which are 

 pointed ; but it does not flower freely. 



