SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA 



Magnolia grandiflora Linnaeus 



FRUIT OF PLATE 2.4 



As early autumn approaches, the fruit of the southern magnolia be- 

 comes conspicuous, and as it ripens the outer envelope cracks over each 

 seed compartment and the crimson seeds protrude from their downy 

 coverings. At this stage the tree affords a striking contrast of red fruit 

 and glossy green leaves. As time passes, the seeds loosen from the shell, 

 but are still attached to the conelike fruit by a slender white thread 

 about an inch long, finally dropping to the ground when the wind 

 blows them loose. 



Southern magnolia is found native throughout the Southern States, 

 from Texas to Florida, northward to Arkansas and southeastern North 

 Carolina. 



The specimen painted was taken from the large tree just south of 

 the White House, and was given me by Mrs. Coolidge. 



PLATE 24A 



