Magnolia splendens

Urb.

Laurel sabino, Shining magnolia, Laurel magnolia

Magnoliaceae 21 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Magnolia splendens, commonly known as the laurel magnolia, shining magnolia, or locally as the laurel sabino, is a magnolia native to eastern Puerto Rico. It is a medium to large evergreen tree 16–80 ft (4.9–24.4 m) tall with dark green leaves and showy cream or white flowers. The wood is aromatic, giving its common epithet of 'laurel'. It was described by German botanist Ignatz Urban in 1899.

Description

A tree.

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Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a flavouring in food in much the same way as bay leaves (Laurus nobilis).

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Puerto Rico, West Indies,

Cultivation

The dark green foliage has a spicy aroma. Laurel sabino is native to an area where tree growth is so slow that production of the timber is not economical. The average trunk diameter growth rate of 46 trees in the natural forest during a 5-year period was only 1.5mm per year.

Other Uses

The heartwood is a very attractive olive green when freshly cut, later becoming brown - growth rings and dark streaks add to the figure; it is demarcated from the whitish sapwood. The wood is moderately heavy; hard; moderately strong; with a characteristic spicy pungent odour. It is easy to work, but susceptible to attack by dry-wood termites. Rate of air-seasoning is rapid, and amount of degrade is minor. Planing and sanding are fair; shaping, turning, boring, mortising, and resistance to screw splitting all are good. The wood is used almost entirely for furniture and cabinetwork. Local demand is greater than the limited supply. Other suitable uses are for veneer, plywood, millwork, turning, boat planking, construction, and carpentry.

References (1)

Grandtner, M. M., 2008, World Dictionary of Trees. Wood and Forest Science Department. Laval University, Quebec, Qc Canada. (Internet database http://www.wdt.qc.ca)