Magnolia × alba, a captivating hybrid magnolia, boasts stunning evergreen leaves with a glossy green upper surface and a subtly textured underside, making it a textural and visual delight

Magnolia × alba, also known by the charming names white champaca, white sandalwood, or white jade orchid tree, is a captivating hybrid magnolia prized for its beauty and fragrance.

Evergreen Elegance: Unlike many magnolias that lose their leaves in winter, Magnolia × alba boasts stunning evergreen foliage. Its leaves are the embodiment of elegance, showcasing a simple, elliptical shape. Imagine a sleek, elongated oval with smooth, entire margins. These leaves can range from 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 13 inches) in length and 4 to 11 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) wide.

A Textural Delight: The upper surface of the leaves is a feast for the eyes. They are glabrous, meaning smooth and hairless, with a brilliant, glossy green sheen that reflects light beautifully. The underside, however, presents a delightful contrast. While some varieties may be nearly glabrous as well, others display a sparse covering of fine, appressed hairs, adding a subtle textural variation.

Veins and Petioles: Running the length of the leaf blade on the underside are a series of 6 to 12 secondary veins branching off from the central midrib. These veins provide a delicate tracery that adds visual interest and contributes to the overall structure of the leaf. Each leaf is attached to the branch by a petiole, a stalk that can be anywhere from 1.5 to 5 centimeters (0.5 to 2 inches) long. Similar to the underside of the leaf, the petiole may be pubescent (hairy) or glabrous, depending on the specific variety.

A Touch of History: The origin story of Magnolia × alba adds to its mystique. While the exact details are a bit cloudy, it is widely considered to be a natural hybrid between Magnolia champaca, known for its fragrant flowers, and Magnolia montana. This hybridization likely occurred centuries ago, with human cultivation potentially playing a role. Today, Magnolia × alba is a cherished ornamental plant, particularly in Southeast Asia and tropical regions of East Asia, where its beauty and fragrance are celebrated.

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