Magnolia x soulangeana - Saucer magnolia, Tulip tree

Approximately one hundred to two hundred species of Magnolia are found in tropical America and Asia. The genera Mangletia and Michellia are included in the genus Magnolia by some authorities. The saucer magnolia is a hybrid between two Japanese species, Magnolia heptapetala and M. liliflora. It is deciduous in winter and slow growing. Flowers may be up to six inches wide and colors range white to pink and purple. Traditionally, the magnolias were classified as dicotyledons. Some scientists believe that magnolias are descendents of a basal group of flowering plants that preceded the development of monocotyledons and dicots.

In north Florida, saucer magnolia grows best where the soil is consistently moist. It flowers best when grown in full sun.