Monday, April 6, 2009

My World Tuesday




Photobucket


Photobucket

The magnolia tree above is just about in full bloom in my neighborhood. The buds on the tree in the second photo are almost as beautiful as the actual blossoms themselves.

The bark from M. officinalis has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as hou po (厚朴). In Japan, kōboku, M. obovata has been used in a similar manner. The aromatic bark contains magnolol and honokiol, two polyphenolic compounds that have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-angiogenic properties. Magnolia bark also has been shown to reduce allergic and asthmatic reactions.[20][21]

Magnolia grandiflora is the official state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. The flower's abundance in Mississippi is reflected in its nickname of "Magnolia State". The magnolia is also the official state tree of Mississippi.

One of the oldest nicknames for Houston, Texas, U.S.A. is "The Magnolia City" due to the abundance of magnolias growing along Buffalo Bayou.


7 comments:

erin said...

love magnolia blossoms ... the colors and texture...lovely.

Arija said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Arija said...

Magnolias are magnificent, from the small stellatas to the giant grandifloras, they are all just lovely.

Martha Z said...

Lovely blooms and interesting commentary.

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Buds can only mean one thing ... SPRING bring it on!!

betty-NZ said...

Charming photos! I had only seen the big white magnolias of the deep south before I moved to NZ. Now I have learned to appreciate the pink ones and other types as well.

bobbie said...

How very beautiful!

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