Results of DNA analysis in various studies (see, for example, R.B. Figlar & H.P. Nooteboom, Blumea 49: 87-100. 2004) have supported the concept that the various genera comprising the subfamily Magnolioideae would be more consistently treated as a single genus, Magnolia. This is the treatment followed here, though it is still not universally accepted[].

Common Name:

General Information

Magnolia iltisiana is a tree usually growing 20 - 40 metres tall, exceptionally to 45 metres. The bole can be 60 - 150cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.
The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - southern Mexico.

Habitat

Locally abundant in moist, sub-deciduous cloud forest, mostly in ravines, at elevations from 800 - 2,440 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Some uses in folk medicine are reported, though the parts used are not stated. It is thought to strengthen the heart and is also used as a remedy for high blood pressure[].

Other Uses

The timber is valued for furniture[].
The tree is used as a source of firewood[].
We do not have any more information on the wood of this species, but a general description of the wood for members of this genus growing in Central America and the Caribbean is as follows:-
The heartwood is olive-green when freshly cut, becoming light yellowish-brown to greenish-brown sometimes with a purplish tinge upon exposure, purple, dark brown, or nearly black streaks are common; the wide band of sapwood is white to greenish when first cut, darkening somewhat on exposure. The texture is fine and uniform; the grain straight to interlocked; lustre is low to moderate; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The heartwood is rated durable to highly durable with respect to deterioration by both white-rot and brown-rot fungi, but vulnerable to dry-wood termite attack. The wood is easy to air season, drying rapidly with no or slight warp and checking. It saws and machines easily, however in planing there may be considerable tearing where grain is irregular. It is used for utility veneer and plywood, millwork, furniture and cabinet work, general interior and exterior construction, boat planking, and turnery[].

Propagation

Seed - The plant has several mechanisms of seed dormancy; a successful treatment includes removal of the seed pulp cover after maceration[].

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