Magnolia liliiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Magnolia obovata var. discolor
• Yulania japonica
• Lassonia quinquepeta
• Magnolia denudata var. purpurea
• Magnolia atropurpurea
• Talauma sieboldii
• Yulania liliiflora
• Magnolia × soulangeana var. nigra
• Magnolia discolor
• Magnolia gracilis
• Magnolia purpurea
• Magnolia quinquepeta
• Magnolia liliiflora var. gracilis
• Magnolia liliiflora var. nigra
• Yulania japonica var. purpurea
• Magnolia liliiflora f. nigra
• Magnolia polytepala
• Magnolia purpurea var. discolor
• Magnolia purpurea var. liliiflora
• Magnolia obovata var. purpurea
• Magnolia obovata var. liliiflora
• Magnolia plena

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Magnoliales, it is further categorized into the family Magnoliaceae. Ultimately, Magnolia liliflora is identified under the genus Magnolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to specific regions within the country of China. Its geographical presence is primarily concentrated in the South-Central part of the nation. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout the Southeast regions of China. These distinct areas provide the specific environmental conditions necessary for its survival. Therefore, its distribution is limited to these particular southern and central Chinese territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Magnolia liliflora is defined by a highly specific and restricted altitudinal niche, as it is found exclusively within a precise elevational range. This species occupies a narrow band at exactly 1400 m AMSL, indicating a specialized adaptation to the particular temperature gradients, atmospheric pressure, and moisture levels present at this specific height above mean sea level. Such a specialized distribution suggests that the plant is a narrow endemic, likely dependent on the unique microclimatic conditions and soil compositions found strictly at this altitude to support its growth and reproductive cycles.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Magnolia liliiflora is characterized by its perennial nature and its structural classification as a phanerophyte, as its buds are borne on branches above the ground level. As a woody perennial, it undergoes a seasonal cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy, typically reaching a significant stature in its mature stage. While its primary architectural strategy is that of a phanerophyte, its developmental stages and environmental adaptations distinguish it from other life forms such as nanophanerophytes, chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, or therophytes. Throughout its life cycle, the plant focuses on the development of robust woody stems to support its large, fragrant flowers, ensuring its reproductive success within its natural habitat before entering periods of seasonal senescence.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Magnolia liliflora is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning as a tree that typically reaches a mean height of 4 m. As a terrestrial organism, it grows independently without being an epiphyte or a parasite. Regarding its structural support, the plant is categorized as self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or obligatory climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Magnolia liliiflora is characterized by a metabolic framework governed by the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a trait typical of most woody dicotyledonous angiosperms. In this pathway, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs through the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), which incorporates $\text{CO}_2$ into a three-carbon molecule, 3-phosphoglycerate, within the mesophyll cells. This process is highly dependent on environmental factors such as light intensity, temperature, and water availability, as the plant must balance carbon assimilation with the risk of photorespiration. During periods of high transpiration, the plant regulates gas exchange via stomatal conductance to maintain turgor pressure and prevent desiccation, which subsequently influences the efficiency of the Calvin cycle. The energy derived from this photosynthetic process is channeled into the synthesis of complex carbohydrates, supporting the plant's seasonal growth cycles, the development of its woody biomass, and the energetic demands of its flowering phase.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Magnolia liliiflora has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fisetin, Uralenin, Yinyanghuo E, quercetin.

Fisetin

1. Computers in biology and medicine

Uralenin

1. Computers in biology and medicine

Yinyanghuo E

1. Computers in biology and medicine

quercetin

1. Computers in biology and medicine

Medicinal Uses

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

Most Reported Uses