Yunnan smile

Scientific name: Michelia yunnanensis Franch.

English name: Yunnan Michelia

Family: Magnoliaceae, Genus: Michelia

Growth Form: Yunnan Michelia is a shrub that typically reaches a height of 3 to 4.5 feet. It has multiple branches and lacks hair on its stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and shaped like rectangular-elliptic or obovate-lanceolate. They have entire margins, with petioles approximately 2 cm long. Both surfaces of the leaves are smooth, glossy, and feature a reticulate venation pattern.

The leaves are covered with buds that have red-brown hairs, and these buds are protected by large bracts. The bracts are densely covered in brown bristles and open slightly as the buds develop.

This plant blooms from February to March, producing highly fragrant flowers. The essential oil content is about 0.4%, making it an important natural fragrance used in both the food and cosmetics industries.

Origin and Distribution: Yunnan Michelia, also known as Yunnan Hanxiao, is a species that dates back to the Mesozoic era. It survived the Quaternary glaciations and is often referred to as a "living fossil." Although no confirmed wild populations have been found yet, it is widely distributed across broad-leaved and coniferous forests in the eastern and central regions of the Yunnan plateau. It can also be found along roadsides and near streams.

It thrives at elevations between 1,100 and 2,300 meters, often growing in mountain shrubs. Yunnan Michelia has strong adaptability and can survive in temperatures as low as -5°C. In winter, it is often transplanted, especially when planted in shaded areas during late February and early March, which increases its survival rate.

However, this plant is very sensitive to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soil, and the soil should be kept slightly dry. This is crucial for its long-term survival.

From May to June, when new leaves grow to about 10 cm, the seedlings are gradually placed into plastic bags. This helps them acclimate to external conditions before the bags are fully removed.

Uses: The highly aromatic flowers make it a popular ornamental tree in urban green spaces. Its flowers can be extracted for essential oils, and the leaves, which also carry a pleasant aroma, can be ground into powder.

Due to threats such as over-harvesting, livestock trampling, habitat degradation, and its own unique bark characteristics, Yunnan Michelia is prone to ant infestations. As a result, it is common to find dense, twisted branches with scars, exposed white wood, and ancient-looking stumps. These features contribute to its high ornamental value, making it a visually striking plant in gardens and landscapes.

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