MAGNOLIA SINICA

Common Name:             Magnolia sinica
Scientific Name:             Magnolia sinica (also known as Manglietia sinica and Manglietiastrum sinicum)
Categories:                    Ornamental

Why is this species important?
Magnolia sinica is one of the most endangered magnolia species in the world. Surveys in 2005 found only 10 wild trees, and further surveys have found only a further 91 trees - 54 of which are found in the Wenshan Xiaoqiaogou National Nature Reserve and 47 in the area around the reserve.

Where is it found?
In the wild, the species is known only from Wenshan Xiaoqiaogou National Nature Reserve, and the surrrounding area in Yunnan province, Southern China. The tree is also present in cultivation.

How do people use it?
The tree is an important ornamental due to its large white or reddish fragrant flowers and glossy green leaves.

Why is it threatened?
The main threats to this species are over cutting, habitat destruction and poor natural regeneration of the tree in the wild.

What conservation action is needed?
Action to conserve this species is taking two forms - protection of the remaining wild trees and the reinforcement of the wild population. Currently, the Global Trees Campaign is working to ensure that Wenshan Forestry Reserve, which is home to the last remaining trees, has a long term future. Work is also ongoing to reinforce the wild population with nursery grown saplings.

For more information about GTC work to conserve Magnolia sinica visit the project page

Selected references

The Red List of Magnoliaceae

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