Champaca, Joy Perfume Tree

Magnolia champaca (L.) Figlar Proc. Internat. Symp. Fam. Magnoliac. 1998. 21. 2000.

mag-NOAL-ee-ah cham-PAW-caw

Magnoliaceae

Explanation of name: Genus named for Pierre Magnol, 1638-1715, botanist at Montpellier (BA1, FNA).  The specific epithet is derived from a local name for the tree.

Synonym:  Michelia champaca L.

Natural range: Tropical Asia

Recognition:  Tree with elliptic, acuminate, droopy leaves and large terminal buds. Flowers fragrant, resembling a small Magnolia flower, orange (or white in the seedless ‘Alba’ http://www.mgonlinestore.com/Alba/), which is probably the hybrid Magnolia × alba (DC.) Figlar Proc. Internat. Symp. Fam. Magnoliac. 1998. 21. 2000.

Note: Michelia figo (Lour.) Spreng., Banana Shrub, is encountered in cultivation mostly to the north of our range.  Consult UFFPS404 for this species.

Landscape uses: Ornamental tree with large droopy leaves and somewhat showy orange (or white---see above), fragrant flowers.   Damaged by over-exposure to wind and sun; protection is necessary.

Internet sources: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/fragrant/2005034256008093.html

http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/michelia_champaca.htm