Magnolia splendens Urban, Laurel sabino, Magnoliaceae, Magnolia Family

摘要

Magnolia splendens Urban, called laurel sabino in Spanish and magnolia inEnglish, is an evergreen tree species endemic to northeastern Puerto Rico. When mature, laurel sabino supports a narrow, dark-green crown and may reach 25 m in height and 1.2 m in d.b.h. Identifying features include its large leaves that have a spicy taste when bitten into and that are covered with silky gray hairs; a terminal stipule that falls, leaving a ring scar on the branch; long, pointed terminal buds; and large shite flowers. Because the wood was highly regarded for use in furniture and cabinet making, laurel sabino was harvested in the Luquillo Mountains through the early 1950's.