Magnolia guatemalensis is a tree found in the highlands and mountains of Guatemala, Chiapas, El Salvador, and Honduras. It is considered an indicator species of the cloud forest.
It is known locally as mamey, a common name that is also used for the unrelated species Pouteria sapota from Cuba and the fruit tree Mammea americana from Central and South America.
Description
Magnolia guatemalensis is an attractive tree, growing up to 15 meters high. It has tough glossy leaves, with red shiny stipules and sepals. The species is polymorphic, with leaves varying in size and shape, and sometimes lacking pubescence on the lower surface. It flowers from late February to late May. The species' flower petals are also polymorphic, varying in size and shape.
Cultivation
This species has been successfully hybridized with the southern magnolia (M. grandiflora).
References
External links
- ParksWatch Guatemala
- Silvics of North America