The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name:

General Information

Magnolia kobus is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 12.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitat

Hills and bases of mountains all over Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Beetles
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[]. Succeeds in acid or neutral soils in sun or part shade[]. Fairly lime tolerant[, ]. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required[]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[].
A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -28°c[].
The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[].
Plants take 10 - 15 years to flower after being planted out[].
The leaves are slightly aromatic[].
Very closely related to M. stellata, differing in having 3 narrow sepals and 6 - 9 broader petals.

Edible Uses

Flowers and flower buds - cooked[, ].
The leaves are eaten or used to make a tea[]. Older leaves are powdered and sprinkled on foods as a flavouring[].

Medicinal

Treats headaches[].

Other Uses

Wood - soft, light. Used for engraving, utensils, matches etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame[]. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors.
Layering in early spring[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in early summer[].