Beaked magnolia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Beaked magnolia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Houpoea rostrata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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, falling into the family Magnoliaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Magnolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning several distinct regions across Asia. Within China, its distribution is notable in the Southeast portions of the country. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Beyond Chinese borders, its habitat extends into the Indo-China region. Specifically, one of its primary locations in this area is Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Magnolia rostrata is defined by its specialized niche within high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives across a distinct vertical gradient. This species is specifically adapted to mid-to-high elevation zones, occupying a precise ecological belt that begins at an elevation of 1780 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal range, the plant is subject to the unique climatic pressures of mountain ecosystems, including fluctuating temperatures and specific moisture availability patterns characteristic of these elevations. Its presence is constrained by these elevational limits, which dictate the environmental parameters—such as atmospheric pressure, solar radiation intensity, and soil composition—necessary for its survival and reproductive success in its natural habitat.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1780 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Magnolia rostrata is characterized by its status as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting growth forms consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte classifications. As a perennial woody species, its life cycle is defined by the maintenance of its buds well above the soil surface, protected by woody structures that allow it to persist through seasonal environmental shifts. The development begins with the germination of seeds, which eventually progress into a robust woody architecture. Throughout its life, the plant focuses on significant biomass accumulation, transitioning from an initial establishment phase into a long-lived mature state where it undergoes seasonal cycles of leaf production and flowering. Its physiological strategy relies on these elevated buds to ensure survival, facilitating a continuous life history that supports long-term structural stability and reproductive maturity.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Magnolia rostrata is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its structural development to navigate its environment without being an obligate or facultative climber on other hosts. It is an independent organism, functioning as a non-parasite that does not rely on other plants for nutrients, and it maintains a terrestrial life form rather than living as an epiphyte. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a distinctly woody structure, providing the necessary physical rigidity for its developmental pattern.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Magnolia rostrata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Honokiol, Magnolol.

Honokiol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Magnolol

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica