Our tree of the week is the
Magnolia grandiflora located near the Fitness Center. This is an older, healthy tree that predates the establishment of the arboretum, so its history is unwritten. As the borders of the arboretum expanded, the tree became part of the collection. In November 1997, several gallon-sized pots of rattan vine (
Berchemia scandens) were planted under the tree. Today the tree and vines appear to be in strong competition, with the vines growing over-top the tree. You can also find a successful patch of dewberry (
Rubus trivialis) growing at the base.
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| The Magnolia grandiflora flower is the state flower of Louisiana. |
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| Flower tucked behind the rich, green foliage. |
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| In the lower right-hand corner of the photo, note the characteristic rusty color of the underside of the leaf. |
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| This week you will find several low hanging branches with flower buds. |
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| Flower bud detail |
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| The rattan vine (Berchemia scandens) snakes around the trunk of this Magnolia grandiflora. |
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| This photo from late winter (March 9, 2017) shows how successful the rattan vine has been in its competition with the magnolia. The dewberry vine (Rubus trivialis) is in flower at the base of the tree. |
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| The tree seems healthy enough despite the overwhelming success of the vine, but this summer the vine will be trimmed. |
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You can see additional photos of the arboretum's flowering magnolias
here.
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
