Magnolia

About the Magnolia

One of the most ancient flowering plants - fossil evidence shows they existed 95 million years ago, before bees existed, evolved to be pollinated by ancient beetles. Their tough petals evolved to withstand beetle mandibles. They are named after French botanist Pierre Magnol. Some species are deciduous, others evergreen. The southern magnolia can live 80-120 years and reach 27 meters. They produce cone-like fruit with bright red seeds suspended by thin threads. They are the state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. Over 200 species. Their bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine.