Michelia figo (Lour.) Spreng.
Frost tender, rounded, bushy, freely-branching, evergreen shrub with lustrous, dark green, oval leaves, to 10cm long, and banana-scented, cup-shaped, yellowish-green to white flowers, to 3cm across, with dark red petal margins, in spring and summer. To 6m. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This plant was first received from China, by the late Mr. Evans, in 1796, but he very soon lost it. We had the pleasure of obtaining one from the same country a few years afterwards, which is still flourishing, and from it most of those now in Europe have been derived. It flowers nearly through the summer, and its delicious fragrance scents the air to a considerable distance.’ [LBC no.1073, 1825]. ‘The Magnolia fuscata is nearly allied to the pumila and is like it cultivated in China, both on account of its beauty and fragrance. […] From its habit, it appears to be a shrub of humble growth, and, on that account, the better adapted to ornament our houses. Is naturally deciduous, but in the stove becomes ever-green. It is however by no means tender, and at most requires only the protection of a greenhouse.’ [BM t.1008/1807]. ‘Of all the Magnolias with which we are as yet acquainted, this species is the most elegant; whether for the growth of the plant, the brilliancy of the foliage, or the extreme delicacy, fragrance, and beauty of the flowers.’ [ABR pl. 229, c.1802].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.658/1843].
Notes
Published Mar 20, 2009 - 02:39 PM | Last updated Mar 22, 2010 - 05:20 PM
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Michelia figo (Lour.) Spreng. | BM t.1008/1807 | BHL
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Banana shrub |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Magnolia fuscata |
| Confidence level | high |