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Magnolia × alba (DC.) Figlar
| Family Name: | Magnoliaceae |
| Synonyms: | Michelia × alba |
| Common Name: | White Chempaka, Cempaka Putih, White Champaca, Chempaka Puteh, Chempak, 白兰 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
| Maximum Height | 30 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves are simple and elliptical. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Has waxy, long and narrow tepals surrounding the green pistil. Flowers are white or cream in colour, about 5cm in diameter. They are strongly scented, especially after dark. The flowers retain their fragrance even after being picked. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | An evergreen medium-sized tree, shown to be growing relatively fast under local conditions. Able to reach a height of 30m given optimal conditions. Trunk has smooth and silvery grey bark. A hybrid of M. champaca L. and M. montana Blume. |
| Associated Fauna | Host plant for the Tailed Jay butterfly ( Graphium agamemnon agamemnon ) and the Common Jay butterfly (Graphium doson evemonides ). |
| Cultivation | Prefers sandy and well-drained soil. Like most tropical members of the Magnoliaceae family, it grows best in acidic soil, from pH6.5 down to as acidic as pH5.6. It requires full sun and moderate watering, and does not tolerate over-watering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant, Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1731 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3024 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
