Deciduous multistemmed shrub to several metres tall growing into a tree in the wild. Leaves 5-15 cm long, 4-8 cm wide, obovate to oblanceolate, more or less hairless, often puckered; stipules basal. Flowers before leaves, outer 3 segments sepal-like, inner 6-9 segments white or slightly pink in late winter, occasionally pinkish at the base or with a stripe, fragrant. Fruit cylindrical, to about 10 cm long.

Japan

Wood used in construction and for furniture.

Reminiscent of the starry-flowered M. stellata but the segments fewer and not strap-like but with broad spoon-like tips.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Magnoliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.