Magnolia grandiflora [Southern Magnolia]

[dancingcat]

Frary, S.C. (2022) Magnolia grandiflora L. (Magnoliaceae) Southern Magnolia. Photographed in ultraviolet and visible light.

 

Collected 20 May 2022 from an ornamental tree along the roadside, Waxahachie TX, USA.

 

Other Common Names:  Evergreen Magnolia, Loblolly Magnolia, Great Laurel Magnolia, Big Laurel, Bull Bay

 

Comments:
The Southern Magnolia is not native to the US; it was introduced from Asia in the 1600’s.  It is well established now wild in the southeastern US, and is extensively used as an ornamental tree in landscaping for its very large white flowers and shiny leaves.  It has retained its structures for some 100 million years, with fossil records starting in the upper Cretaceous.  Its evolution pre-dates bees; and it is thought to be pollinated primarily by beetles.

 

These images were taken right after the flower fully opened and was in the process of shedding its stamens.  The curly stigmas in the center are exuding a sticky liquid. The prominent UV-bright patches on the petals do not seem to be so prominent in flowers which have been open for a day or two, so they might be fading as the flower ages.
 
References:
1. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Database, University of Texas at Austin. 
2. Werle, Christopher Thomas, "Insects Associated with Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.) in East Tennessee. " University of Tennessee, 2002.  (good discussion of biology of the plant) .

 

Equipment [Olympus EM1mk2-broadband + Olympus 30mm f/3.5 macro]
 
Visible Light [f/11, iso 200, ⅓”, Kolari UV/IR Cut HotMirror Pro 2 filter, ambient indoor light; 15-image in-camera stack (diff 3)]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11, iso 640, 50”, BaaderU filter, Kolari UV flashlight, static]

[Andrea B.]

The soft lighting and detail in the visible photograph is truly lovely. You are getting very good at this, Sue !! The stacking feature of the Olympus EM1 MkII is fantastic. 

[dancingcat]

TY, really easy to blow out a white flower, so tried to just use ambient indoor light.  Magnolia is a truly odd flower...

[colinbm]

Nicely captured flower. The alternate small petals have a reflective spot.

 

[Andy Perrin]

Really gorgeous photos!