Magnolia Tree
Nobody can disagree that blooming magnolia trees are a beautiful sight. Magnolia trees are so widespread in hot climates that they have grown nearly synonymous with the American South. The fragrance of this plant is as delicious and memorable as the large, white flowers themselves. Magnolia trees are among the most beautiful and easy-to-care-for garden plants. They entice birds with their captivating scent and lend a regal quality to any environment. If you are thinking about planting magnolia trees in your yard, you might be curious about their root systems and how they thrive. Magnolia is a big genus with around 210 flowering plant species belonging to the Magnolioideae subfamily of the Magnoliaceae family. Pierre Magnol, a French botanist, was the basis for the name of this well-known tree.
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Scientific Classification of the Magnolia Trees
Flowers of a Magnolia Tree
The magnolia tree is derived from the kingdom of Plantae. The subkingdom of this tree is known to be Viridiplantae. The division of this well-known plant is Tracheophyta. The sub-division of the Magnolia tree is called Spermatophyta. The class of the tree is Magnoliopsida and the sub-class of it is Magnoliidae. Belonging to the genus of Magnolia L., it is inherited from a species of Magnolia Grandiflora L.
The Root System of the Magnolia Trees
Magnolias, such as the magnificent southern magnolia, also referred to as Magnolia grandiflora, and also Mississippi’s national tree may reach heights of 80 feet. These trees possess a 40-foot spreading root and a 36-inch trunk diameter. These magnolia trees have a single common ancestor from which identical origin branches sprout. The central cylindrical root, also known as the main root, arises first in the embryo radicle after germination and spreads vertically earthward. First-order roots, also known as subsidiary roots, emerge from the parent root. The second-order roots, known as tertiary roots, originate from the secondary roots. The main source of the magnolia tree, which is the primary root, is the roughest, populated, and far-reaching of all the other root systems. You would believe that magnolia tree roots grow directly down to support these massive trees, but this is far from the case. The root structure of magnolia trees is considerably distinct, with enormous, stretchy, rope-like roots. The roots of these magnolia trees develop horizontally rather than vertically, and they remain near the soil surface. Growing magnolia trees near houses might result in magnolia tree root problems as a result. If tree roots grow excessively close to sidewalks or hardscapes, the hard surface will inevitably lift. You should plant a magnolia tree at least 4 feet far from the sidewalk or use shorter plants near concrete floors to avoid extreme damage. The magnolia tree roots had already clogged damaged water lines, but this is a rare occurrence. Pipes are more prone to collapse as a result of aging or soil movement, allowing tree roots to enter through. Modern pipe and coupling materials, on the other hand, are unlikely to be harmed by soil movement, and so are unlikely to lead to tree roots sprouting into pipes.
Magnolia Tree Roots
Magnolias have a unique root structure compared to other trees and shrubs, with mostly unbranched roots. If the roots ring near to the tree’s trunk, the pattern they curl as they expand makes magnolia roots susceptible to girdling. The root system of the magnolia tree is much broader than that of most other plants. It is almost double the breadth of the canopy and it grows from the trunk. Magnolia roots require acidic, wet, peaty soils, but once planted, they will flourish in hot, sunny situations. Ideal root development, on the other hand, develops in places where the plant receives enough sunlight to partial shade. The roots will thrive in high-moisture soils, but they will require lots of areas to spread out.
Transplanting Magnolia Tree Roots
Magnolias with a stem diameter of fewer than 4 inches could be securely transplanted. On mature plants, portions of the roots around the root ball should be removed about a year before planting. The broken roots will split, making it much simpler for your magnolia tree to establish itself after transplanting. Magnolias should not be replanted in the fall, but rather in the winter or spring seasons. Since most of the roots are all in the first foot of soil, the breadth of the plant is more crucial than depth while digging up the root ball to graft. Throughout the first season following transplanting, magnolia roots require special attention, so water often and place a layer of compost all around the root system to keep humidity in and shield the roots.
Some Interesting Facts About the Magnolia Trees
Magnolia Tree Leaves
- The size of a magnolia tree is determined by its species. Smaller species grow to only 15 feet in height.
- Larger species can reach a height of 80 feet. Magnolia has a pyramidal canopy with a diameter of 30 to 50 feet.
- Magnolia leaves are deep green and oval in form, with a waxy coating. The leaves on the twigs are perennial and alternately placed. The whole border of the leaves is leathery.
- When the magnolia plant is new, the bark exterior is brown or grey and smooth. The bark of the plant changes from smooth to scaly as it becomes older.
- Magnolia flowers are 12 to 3 inches in diameter and have up to 18 flaky tepals ( formed from both fused petals and sepals).
- Both male and female reproductive structures can be found in the flowers of a magnolia tree.
- The Magnolia flower’s color varies by species and might be white, pinkish, purple, yellow, or green.
- The fragrance of a magnolia flower is similar to that of tropical fruit.
- Magnolia blossoms throughout the months of April to June. The first blossoms appear seven years after the shrub is planted.
- The principal pollinators of magnolia trees are bees.
- Magnolias are a species of flowering plant that has been around for a long time They’ve been around for at least 95 million years.
- From their first appearance in the presence of bees, magnolias have gradually modified their blossoms to make them more appealing to bees.
- Magnolias don’t generate any kind of nectar. Rather, they have pollen that has been enhanced with proteins, which bees eat. Flowers have a sweet odor that lures pollinators.
- Magnolia is a pest and disease resilient in most cases. Fungal infections are common in several animals. Certain bug larvae devour various sections of the magnolia tree.
- Ancient Asian medicine uses magnolia stems and petals. In Asia, magnolia leaves are employed for food packaging.
- The wood of the magnolia tree is used to make crates and furniture.
- Magnolia trees may survive for over a century.
