Magnolia tree

#This invention relates to a new variety of magnolia tree which has resulted from the crossing of Magnolia acuminata L., naturally occurring from New York to Georgia and west to Illinois and Arkansas, with M. denudata Desrouss., a native of China.

#The distinctive characteristics of this new variety of magnolia tree are the unique form and coloration of the flowers. More specifically, the tepals of the flowers in the mature state are of a yellow color, the clarity and tonal uniformity of which distinguishes them from known magnolia species or varieties.

#The flower of the magnolia tree of this invention is shown in the accompanying photographic color reproduction.

#The deciduous tree of the present invention is presently growing on the grounds of the Kitchawan Research Station of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Westchester, N. Y. and is designated by the number "391". The tree is 19 years old and stands 51/2 meters high and originated as a seedling from a number of crosses between Magnolia acuminata (female parent) and M. denudata (male parent). The tree first came into flower in 1972. The seeds from which the tree was selected were germinated at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York, and the seedlings were grown on at the Kitchawan Research Station.

#The tree, which is pyramidal in form, is much branched and consists of two trunks. Bark of the older branches is smooth and grey with conspicuous lenticels. Leaves are generally obovate with cuspidate apices, cuneate to rounded leaf bases and entire margins. They measure 12-23 cm. in length, 7-20 cm. in width with hairs concentrated on the veins. The upper surface is bright green with hairs confined to the mid-vein alone. Tomentose stipules are present on the youngest shoots and are adnate to the petiole. These are early deciduous and leave a scar after detachment. The vegetative buds are 7-10 mm. long. Flower buds are larger and broader and reach a length of 25-35 mm. A glabrous, brown, spathe-like bract which is dry and papery by the time the bud reaches maturity, covers the perianth and eventually splits along one side as the bud swells.

#Pedunculate flowers are produced singly at the end of the shoot and flowering coincides with the early unfurling of the new leaves.