April 17, 2011

Magnolia Tree

Sometimes you think you've already seen the best of whatever there is to see of a certain thing, and then wham! you're presented with one just a bit more awesome, more glorious, more stupendous... 

That's the feeling I had when I spotted this magnolia tree at the end of a side street on one of my recent walks. I had seen many magnolias before, but this was definitely the largest, fullest specimen of its kind I recall ever laying my eyes on. It was taller than the two-floor house behind it, branching well above the tall wall that enclosed it. My heart sang.

Bucharest, 2011

One of the fun parts of blogging for me is researching a little about what I photograph and post here. I've learned, for instance, that the magnolia is an ancient flowering plant that evolved millions of years ago before bees and were pollinated by beetles, hence their tough leaves and carpels. There are more than 200 species of the Magnoliaceae plant family and they are found abundantly in warm climates from Asia and the Americas to the West Indies.

Linking with Today's Flower, Mosaic Monday and Macro Monday. The montage will enlarge if you click on it once, then once again.

30 comments:

Mirage said...

They're one of the unique blooming trees out there!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Wonderful photos of this magnificent tree! Magnolias really know how to dress up for a grand ball!

Indrani said...

Interesting info.
Yes I too do a little bit of googling on the subject before I post, that makes blogging more interesting.

Unknown said...

They are gorgeous. I see lots in Beijing last week, but this week some are gone, and their trees are green. Funny how quickly they come and go.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Very pretty!

It would be a delight to have you come and visit my flower post for today. Thanks!

Kay L. Davies said...

I've never seen one that big, either, Francisca. What a wonderful treat for you, and, through you, for us! It is truly lovely.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Anita Johnson said...

I had no idea there were so many magnolias...just beautiful...think of how many flowers there must be on that tree. Amazing, really.

H said...

Blogging is very educational. Yours is the second blog this week which has told me about the beetles; something I had never heard before! That is a truly magnificent specimin! I have never seen a magnolia tree anywhere near that size!!

H said...

Ooops - specimen* sorry

Carolyn Ford said...

wow! what a magnificent tree so FULL of flowers! WOW, again!

joo said...

WOW, WOW, WOW - splendid!

vincibene said...

Wonderful! I love it!

tapirgal said...

Absolutely WOW! What an amazing tree, and a beautiful setting. I grew up with magnolias, but the blossoms were white. I don't remember any being pink. I also love discovering that things are so ancient. I also grew up with ginkgos along the same street. I knew that they were ancient, but didn't realize the same about magnolias. Thanks for the research!

Lowell said...

This tree is quite incredible. We have magnolia trees all over Stone Creek and the Ocala area and I've seen them in full bloom but I've never seen anything like this!

Andrea said...

Yes Francisca, it really is stupendous, much, much bigger than those posted in blogs i've seen. They say it is fragrant also, i can imagine the smell around it! How wonderful experience.

Kaori said...

Holy cow, that is gorgeous! And the things you learn...so interesting! Beetles, you say? ;D

Carlota said...

what a gorgeous foto. Really like the smells of the magnolia.

Anonymous said...

Magnolia is one of my favourite flowers

BernieH said...

Such a magnificent display! It really does take your breath away.

Elisabeth said...

Magnolia trees are very beautiful!!

Bhushavali said...

Love the floral burst!!!
Customized T-Shirt Print
Kannikonna flowers in full bloom

Halcyon said...

I love magnolias! Sadly, nothing is blooming here in cold, snowy Toronto yet. Your shots are cheering to me. :)

Barb said...

Wonderful blossoms. I wonder how long the tree can sustain all those flowers?

Kala said...

Beautiful collage of one of nature's most lovely blossoming trees!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful photos! One of my favorite blossoming trees.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

It's a beautiful example of a beautiful tree! I admire, and appreciate, that you have time to research the beauty you find to blog about.

In 1971, we bought our house in Oregon because of the beautiful grandiflora magnolia in the yard! (Seriously, I think it was the deciding factor). Went by to check on it last time we were there in season and it is still doing well.

p3chandan said...

I love magnolias, their pretty flowers and their sweet fragrance. I didnt know that they can be grown in our tropical climate or maybe its for the sub-tropical? Lovely mosaic of them!

Katalin said...

Meseszép fotók:))

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful, Francisca! I wish I could grow magnolias on our property but it would be very iffy.

Unknown said...

Beautiful mosaic.