cucumbertree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• cucumber magnolia
• cucumber tree
• Mountain Magnolia
• Yellow Cucumbertree
• indian-bitter

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kobus acuminata
• Tulipastrum acuminatum
• Yulania acuminata
• Magnolia virginiana var. acuminata
• Magnolia umbrella var. acuminata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Magnoliales and the family Magnoliaceae. Finally, its specific genus is Magnolia, identifying it as Magnolia acuminata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of North America. In Eastern Canada, its presence can be found specifically within the province of Ontario. Moving into the Northeastern United States, the species is documented in Indiana. The distribution continues through the North-Central U.S.A., where it inhabits Illinois and Missouri. Finally, its range extends further into the North-Central region to include Oklahoma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Magnolia acuminata is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated well above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that enables it to thrive as a large tree. This phanerophyte life form ensures that the plant can withstand seasonal environmental shifts by maintaining its primary growth points on elevated branches, facilitating its development into a mature, long-lived woody specimen.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Magnolia acuminata is characterized by its substantial growth form as a woody tree, reaching an average plant height of approximately 30.24 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it maintains an independent existence rather than acting as a parasite. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, which supports its significant vertical stature and established tree architecture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30.24 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Magnolia acuminata is characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic process where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. As a woody deciduous species, its physiological functions are deeply influenced by seasonal transitions, involving a complex regulation of transpiration and nutrient uptake through its extensive root systems. The plant manages gas exchange via stomatal activity that fluctuates in response to environmental humidity and light intensity to optimize water-use efficiency. During the growing season, the C3 pathway facilitates the synthesis of carbohydrates necessary for biomass accumulation, flower development, and the production of secondary metabolites. As temperatures drop, the plant undergoes physiological dormancy, shifting its metabolic rate to survive freezing conditions by modulating cellular osmotic potential and reducing active transpiration.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Magnolia acuminata is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and a specialized seed dispersal mechanism. The flowering period typically commences in May and concludes in June, marking the peak of its reproductive cycle. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with a relatively small mass; the average seed mass is approximately 0.08674 g, with individual seeds ranging from a minimum of 0.08322 g to a maximum of 0.09901 g. The dispersal of these seeds follows a zoochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily distributed by animals, which plays a critical role in the spatial distribution and colonization of new habitats for the species.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.09901 g

Seed mass mean:

0.08674 g

Seed mass min:

0.08322 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Magnolia acuminata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, catechins.

CATECHIN

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

catechins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Magnolia acuminata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Magnolia acuminata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Antioxidant.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations