Today's Nature Post features the Magnolia.

Magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora, is known more commonly as the Bull Bay or Southern Magnolia and belongs to the Magnoliaceae family of trees. This family of trees includes only two subfamilies: Magnolioideae and Liriodendroidae. This evergreen tree can grow up to 120 feet tall from a single trunk into a pyramid shape of leaves and branches. It's broad, stiff leaves are a spear-like oval shape with a dark green color and can grow over 7 inches in length and 4 inches in width. Often, they possess a hairy, yellow-brown underside. The Magnolia features citrus scented flowers that can grow up to a whopping 11 inches in width with 6 to 12 large white petals with a waxy texture. This tree will bloom in late spring. Afterwards growing red colored fruit up to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. These seeds are often developed when the tree has reached around 10 years old, however, the Magnolia will produce the most seeds when it is around 25 years old. It can be found growing naturally throughout the Southeastern United States from Washington, through Florida, and even into Eastern Texas. The Magnolia prefers habitats near swamps or other bodies of water where it can grow in sheltered areas into large trees. However, when found along coastal regions, they are known to grow more as shrubs. The Magnolia is well known as a decorative tree planted to enhance environments. Due to this, over 50 cultivars, or varieties bred by humans, exist such as the Edith Boque, Angustifolia, Exmouth, and Bracken's Brown Beauty.

The Magnolia, also known as Swamp Sassafras, Blue Magnolia, and Cucumber Tree, is associated as being a Feminine plant connected to the element Earth. It is seen as a symbol of fidelity and placing it near or beneath the bed is said to keep a faithful partner. Coinciding with this, the Magnolia has been a symbol of purity, dignity, and nobility. Particularly in Victorian times when they were sent as a discreet way for lovers to communicate. In China, they are thought to be signs of gentleness and the perfect symbol of feminine beauty. White Magnolia blossoms are used in bridal bouquets in South America as they are said to mirror and enhance the bride's nobility and purity. In ancient China, the flowers and bark of the Magnolia for traditional medicines to treat nervous tension, promote sleep, and aid in relieving anxiety. Even today, it is used in teas, powders, tinctures, and pills. These are used to treat a range of problems such as muscle tension, gas, constipation, lung problems, menstrual cramps, and congestion of the chest. The compound Magnolol present in Magnolias is said to be able to prevent the spread or increase of prostate cancer cells. The Magnolia is associated with increasing faith in your ideals and the abilities of feminine strength.