Magnolia laevifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Magnolia concinna
• Michelia yunnanensis
• Michelia yunnanensis var. angustifolia
• Michelia laevifolia
• Michelia dandyi
• Michelia concinna

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Magnoliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Magnoliaceae, falling under the genus Magnolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Magnolia laevifolia, possesses a specific and localized range of occurrence. Its primary geographical distribution is concentrated within the borders of China. More specifically, it is found throughout the South-Central regions of the country. This particular habitat defines the environmental conditions where the species naturally thrives. Consequently, its presence is a distinct characteristic of the South-Central Chinese landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Magnolia laevifolia is characterized by its distribution within specific altitudinal gradients, typically inhabiting montane environments. This species thrives across a significant vertical range, with its presence documented from a minimum elevation of 1100 m AMSL to a maximum altitude of 2300 m AMSL. On average, the plant occupies a mid-elevation niche, with a mean elevational range centered around 1700 m AMSL. This distribution suggests that the species is adapted to the specific climatic conditions, temperature regimes, and soil profiles found within these highland ecological zones.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1100 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Magnolia laevifolia is characterized by its long-term survival as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence within its ecological niche over many growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategy, the plant exhibits a dual classification of life forms: it functions primarily as a phanerophyte, maintaining its buds well above the ground level to endure seasonal changes, while also displaying characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, where its reproductive or structural elements are held close to the substrate. This combination of life forms allows the species to establish a robust, woody presence that persists through various environmental cycles.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Magnolia laevifolia is characterized by its woody structure and a growth form primarily classified as a shrub. It reaches a mean plant height of approximately 4 m and functions as a self-supporting organism rather than a climber. As an independent species, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Magnolia laevifolia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its ecological niche. The plant's vegetative structure is defined by specific leaf morphology, where the leaf length exhibits significant variability, ranging from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 10 cm, with an average leaf length of approximately 7 cm. Complementing this longitudinal dimension, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 3.5 cm, providing the necessary surface area for gas exchange and light absorption essential for its C3 metabolic functions.

Leaf length max:

10 cm

Leaf length mean:

7 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

3.5 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Magnolia laevifolia has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BORNYL ACETATE, Linalool, camphor, cineole.

BORNYL ACETATE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Linalool

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

camphor

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

cineole

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials