Magnolia liliiflora, commonly known as mulan magnolia or purple magnolia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Magnoliaceae. It is native to southwest China, but has been cultivated worldwide for its beautiful flowers and landscaping value. The flowers of magnolia liliiflora are large, showy, and fragrant, which has led to one of its common names – purple magnolia.
The flowers have been compared by some to resemble a bird in flight, which has sparked debate and discussion among gardeners and horticulturists over the years. In this article, we will examine the key features of magnolia liliiflora flowers and analyze whether they truly resemble a bird in flight.
Key Features of Magnolia Liliiflora Flowers
Magnolia liliiflora blooms in late spring to early summer, producing flowers before its leaves emerge. The flowers are bowl-shaped with 6-9 elongated and strap-like tepals which are the modified petals and sepals. The tepals are typically purple-red in color, but white and pink varieties also exist.
Some key features of magnolia liliiflora flowers include:
Large Size
The flowers can grow up to 30cm in diameter, making them quite imposing. The elongated tepals extend outwards from the central cone, creating a very large and showy bloom.
Distinctive Shape
The strap-like tepals are narrow at the base and widen towards the tip. They are long, some reaching up to 18cm in length, and are spaced out around the central cone. This distinctive tepal shape contributes to the unique look of the flowers.
Fragrance
Magnolia liliiflora flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance that perfumes the late spring air. The fragrance is one of the appealing features of this magnolia species.
Color Variation
While purple-red shades are most common, the tepals can range from deep reddish-purple through to pale pink and even white. This color variation adds to the range of magnolia liliiflora floral displays.
Do the Flowers Resemble a Bird in Flight?
Now that we have outlined the main characteristics of magnolia liliiflora blooms, we can analyze whether these features and overall look resemble a bird in flight. There are some convincing similarities that suggest the comparison is reasonable.
Outstretched Tepals Like Wings
The elongated tepals spreading outward from the central cone provide a wing-like appearance. Viewed from above, the tepals fan out in a circular orientation like extended wings. The narrow bases and wider tips even resemble the shape of feathered wings.
Central Cone as a Body
The central reproductive cone, containing stamens and pistils, provides a raised bulbous form like a bird’s body. It sits higher than the tepals, with the tepals seeming to emerge from below it.
Color and Markings
The purple-red hues are reminiscent of colored plumage, while the paler tepals or color variations give the impression of patterns on the wings and body. Darker veins along the tepals further enhance the bird comparison.
Height Adds to Illusion of Flight
The large size, on tall bushy plants, places the flowers higher up, where they appear to be almost hovering or in flight at the tops of branches. The elevation and height add to the bird illusion.
Flower Shape Mimics Different Bird Styles
While the flowers may not resemble one specific bird, the general effect is bird-like. The shape fits different bird profiles such as a crane or heron with outstretched wings and body.
Other Perspectives
While there are certainly many bird-like attributes to magnolia liliiflora blooms, it is understandable that the comparison would not be obvious to everyone. Here are some alternative perspectives:
Prominent Flower Features
It is clearly a flower, with defined floral parts like tepals, stamens and pistils. These key flower features remain prominent.
Color Not Bird-like to All
The purple-red hues might appear too artificial and vivid for a true bird coloration to some observers. More muted or neutral tones may enhance the bird illusion.
Shape Not Precisely Bird-like
The tepals are very elongated and the overall look does not precisely mimic any one bird species closely enough for an exact match.
Fragrance Not Associated with Birds
The strong sweet floral fragrance seems distinctly flower-like, whereas birds have little to no scent. This floral fragrance may detract from visual bird comparisons.
Maybe More Butterfly than Bird
To some, the large size, vivid colors, and fanned out tepals may evoke a butterfly with open wings more than a bird in flight. This is another visual comparison.
Conclusion
While reasonable minds can disagree, there are certainly many attributes of magnolia liliiflora blooms that conjure images of birds in flight. The elongated tepals fanned out from a central cone give the impression of outstretched wings and body of a bird in motion. Vivid colors, markings, elevation, and large imposing size enhance this bird-like illusion.
However, the flowers do maintain definitively floral features as well, and may not mimic any particular bird species closely enough for an exact match. The comparison is very subjective, but the bird-like appearance helps explain one of the common names for this popular ornamental flowering plant. Magnolia liliiflora provides stunning floral displays, with or without avian comparisons.
References
Books
[1] Johnstone, G. and Jaenicke, H. (2011). Magnolias. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
[2] Hu, Y. and Magnolia Society (U.S.) (2005). Magnolias of China. Beijing: Science Press.
Websites
[3] “Magnolia liliiflora.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280496
[4] “Magnolia liliiflora.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_liliiflora
[5] “How to grow magnolia liliiflora.” American Meadows. https://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/how-to-grow-magnolia-liliiflora
Table Comparing Magnolia liliiflora Flower Features
| Flower Feature | Description | Bird Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Tepals | 6-9 elongated, strap-like tepals in purple-red hues spreading outward from central cone | Resemble outstretched wings of a bird in flight |
| Central cone | Bulbous central structure containing stamens and pistils, raised higher than tepals | Provides a body-like shape above the wing-like tepals |
| Coloration | Vivid purple-red tones, sometimes paler pink or white | Reminiscent of brightly colored plumage |
| Size | Flowers up to 30cm diameter, on tall bushy shrubs | Large imposing size adds to bird illusion |
| Fragrance | Strong, sweet floral fragrance | Not particularly bird-like |
