The Magnolia Blossoms

My former neighbor grows this kind of flower. Before she left, she was kind enough to give me a magnolia flower on a pot, which I have in my bedroom window up to now. She gave me one flower because she said magnolias may not bloom for many years after planting if grown from seed. She was passing to me the luck.

Magnolias (Magnolia species) are native to the Southern landscape. Of the 80 magnolia species, some are native to the United States, others are native to Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and Asia. Some are trees and others are tall shrubs, and others may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen. Magnolias may bloom in early spring before leaves develop, or they may flower in summer when in full foliage.

Most magnolias are valued as ornaments for their showy, fragrant flowers, large glossy leaves and striking fruit. The flowers may be white, pink or purple and may be small (3-inch diameter), with thin, strap-shaped petals (star magnolia), or large (12-inch diameter), with wide petals (Southern magnolia). White magnolias are used as herbal medicinal cure for clogged sinus and nasal passages. By mixing with other herbs, such as angelica, mint, and chrysanthemum, it is often recommended for upper respiratory tract infections and sinus headaches, although its effectiveness for these problems has not been scientifically confirmed.