Michelia doltsopa

Michelia doltsopa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus: Michelia
Species: M. doltsopa
Binomial name
Michelia doltsopa
Buch.-Ham. ex DC.

Michelia doltsopa, closely related to the magnolia and known as Sweet Michelia, is a large shrub or tree native to the eastern Himalayan region and the Meghalaya subtropical forests in India.

Description

The plant varies in form from bushy to narrow and upright, can grow to a height of 30 metres (98 ft) tall. The tree flowers in spring and produces heavily scented white flowers. It has long leathery and glossy dark-green leaves, 6–17 centimetres (2.4–6.7 in) in length, that provide a point of interest all year long.

Cultivation

Michelia doltsopa is used as a featured ornamental tree and street tree, or pruned as a hedge. It enjoys a sheltered position in full or part sun, and appreciates well drained soil. It is growing in popularity as a street tree in coastal California.