Magnolia delavayi is a species of flowering plant in the genus Magnolia. It is known by the common names of Chinese evergreen magnolia or Delavay's magnolia. It was named after Father Delavay, French Catholic missionary in China, who collected it. Description [[File:Magnolia delavayi flower.jpg|thumbnail|left|Magnolia delavayi'''s flower]]Magnolia delavayi is a small evergreen tree in height with gray to grayish-black bark. The leaves are ovate to ovate-oblong, 10–20 cm (rarely to 32 cm) long and 5–10 cm (rarely to 20 cm) broad, tough, leathery, with a 5–7 cm petiole. The flowers are fragrant, cup-shaped, 15–25 cm broad, with nine thick, creamy white to pink tepals; stamens ca. 210 and ovoid gynoecium with ca. 100 carpels. Distribution and habitatMagnolia delavayi is native to southern China, occurring in Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan at 1,500-2,800 m of elevation. Ecology In its native habitat, flowering occurs from April to June. It grows on wet slopes on limestone areas. CultivationMagnolia delavayi is grown as an ornamental tree for its evergreen foliage as well as flowers. It is uncommon though increasing in cultivation elsewhere, such as in California. A recently selected red-flowered form is becoming popular in cultivation.Magnolia delavayi is the city tree of Chongqing. References Further reading Hunt, D. (ed). (1998). Magnolias and their allies''. International Dendrology Society and Magnolia Society. Rivers, M.C. & Wheeler, L. 2014. Magnolia delavayi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014. Downloaded on 8 October 2015. External links Photos of flowers and foliage delavayi Endemic flora of China Flora of Guizhou Flora of Sichuan Flora of Yunnan Trees of China Garden plants of Asia Ornamental trees