Magnolia wilsonii, or Wilson's magnolia, is a species of Magnolia native to China, in the provinces of western Guizhou, Sichuan and northern Yunnan, where it grows in the forest understory at altitudes of 1,900-3,000 m, rarely up to 3,300 m. Description Magnolia wilsonii is a large spreading shrub or small tree growing to tall. The leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, 6–16 cm long and 3–7 cm broad with a 1–3 cm petiole, and have brown pubescence on the underside. The flowers are drooping, 8–12 cm in diameter, with nine (occasionally 12) tepals, the outer three small and greenish, sepal-like, the main six larger and pure white; the stamens and carpels are crimson. Due to their drooping character, the flowers are best viewed from the underside. This species is threatened by habitat destruction and collection for medicinal use (see Houpu magnolia), and regeneration is poor. Cultivation Magnolia wilsonii, though rare, is in cultivation as an ornamental tree and planted in temperate climate gardens, such as in coastal California. It needs a protected planting location with afternoon shade. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. References External links Flora of China: Magnoliaceae (draft account) Photos of flowers and fruit wilsonii Endemic flora of China Flora of Guizhou Flora of Sichuan Flora of Yunnan Trees of China Garden plants of Asia Ornamental trees