Magnolia sinica

“Currently there are no effective protective measures in place for the species and the area it is found in is open to logging and clearance” said the Global Trees Campaign.

Dr Georgina Magin

FFI Global Trees Campaign

The beautiful Magnolia sinica is considered to be one of the most threatened magnolias in the world and is unique to China. There are fewer than ten mature individuals on forested slopes in south-east Yunnan Province.

Magnolia sinica facts:

• There are several thousand saplings currently held in nurseries, and individuals are gradually being replanted in the wild
• Magnolia sinica can grow up to 40 metres tall and is easily recognisable in the forest thanks to its straight trunk and deep-green shiny leaves
• Southern China is a major centre of diversity for magnolias, and Magnolia sinica is just one of 31 species from China listed as threatened

The main threats to the species are seed collection, logging and habitat destruction for agriculture.

Since 2005 the Global Trees Campaign has been working in partnership with various organisations to conserve this species. This work has included field surveys and monitoring of the wild trees, reinforcing the wild population with nursery grown saplings and supporting Wenshan National Nature Reserve to protect them.