Magnolia grandiflora cone fruit. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin words grandis `big`, and flor- `flower`.
Magnolia grandiflora is most commonly known as southern magnolia, a name derived from its range in the Southern United States. Many broadleaved evergreen trees are known as bays for their resemblance to the leaves of the red bay Persea borbonia, with this species known as the bull bay for its huge size or alternatively because cattle have been reported eating its leaves. Laurel magnolia, evergreen magnolia, large-flower magnolia or big laurel are alternative names.The timber is known simply as magnolia.
Magnolia possess some of the most primitive fruit among angiosperms. Their fruit are cone shaped, woody, and aggregate, and they are approximately 3-8 inches long. They are typically classified as a follicetum, an aggregate fruit composed of multiple follicles or carpels containing two or more seeds. As they mature, the flesh splits open, exposing the individual seeds covered in a red fleshy aril. These seeds are then eaten and spread by turkey, quail, opossums, and squirrels. Typically these trees can begin to produce seeds around ten years of age, and they reach peak seed production at around age twenty five.
Gorgeous white pinkish fruit in the middle of green leaves.
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