Kingdom Plantae Family Magnoliaceae Scientific name Magnolia doltsopa Rank Species | Order Magnoliales Genus Michelia Higher classification Magnolia | |
 | ||
Similar Magnolia, Michelia, Magnolia campbellii, Eugenia victoriana, Nylandtia | ||
Michelia doltsopa
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. The wood is fragrant.
Contents
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. The wood is a rich brown.
The "Silver Cloud" variety grows to 15 feet and flowers earlier in its lifespan.
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 can tolerate acidic soil.
Global distribution and use
In Nepal, the wood of the Michelia doltsopa is used for house building. It is also used for house building in Bhutan, where in the 1980s it suffered from over-harvesting.
The Michelia doltsopa is useful in a Shifting cultivation system, which relies on species with "good nitrogen fixation in soil".
