Magnolia champaca ( Champak Magnolia ) is a large flowering tree that is native to moist tropical regions of Asia. Known mainly for their fragrant orange coloured flowers and beautiful green foliage, the Champak Magnolia is also an expensive essential oil. They also attract flowers and birds into the garden, produce a smooth wood for woodworking and considered sacred in Hindus and Buddhists culture.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Joy Perfume Tree, Yellow Jade Orchid Tree and Himalayan Champaca.
Champak Magnolia is quite challenging to grow from seed and is rarely done commercially. The more common method for nurseries is to take cuttings from a mature tree and then graft them onto a rootstock. Their strike rate is commonly low and seed viability is short, usually only lasting around six months. We regularly source fresh stock from India and store them at consistent temperatures.
Please read through our Instructions prior to purchase.
Growth
Magnolia champaca is a large evergreen tree that reaches heights of up to 50 metres (160 feet) in the wild but rarely above 10 metres (33 feet) when growing at home. Of all the Magnolias, this species is by far the fussiest. The require warm temperatures, protection from frost and generally like a good drink. Champak Magnolia’s also dislike too much water so a soil with good drainage is important.
The most important factors when growing Champak Magnolia is the temperature. Compared to most seeds they need a fairly high temperature to get started at between 25-30°C / 77-86°F. Keeping them this warm may require a heat mat or moving into a greenhouse during Spring. The second key is frost or even temperatures below 5°C / 41°F which can cause serious damage to the roots. In Melbourne, we move them into our greenhouse from late April until around October.
Flowering starts to occur around 4-5 years after germination. Blooms range between cream to orange and start in early Summer and continue into the middle of Autumn.
FAMILY:
Magnoliaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5°C to 40°C / 41 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Morning sun and afternoon shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 metres (160 feet) but rarely reaches 15 metres (50 feet) in cultivation.
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet) but rarely above 6 metres (20 feet) in cultivation.
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Beetles.
MATURITY:
4-5 years for flowering.
GERMINATION RATES:
30-45%
GERMINATION TIME:
8 weeks cold stratification + 4-5 weeks germination
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 15
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 6 months.
FACTS ABOUT MAGNOLIA CHAMPACA (Champak Magnolia)
Champak Magnolia timber is highly sought after in their native countries. It has a fine texture and a smooth dark brown to olive coloured wood.
According to Tibetan beliefs, the Buddha of the next era will find enlightenment under the canopy of a Champaca tree.
The powerful citrus and floral scent is much appreciated in India and parts of Asia where it’s also used as a perfume and as a powerful aphrodisiac.
The essential oil of Champak Magnolia is the most expensive essential oil in the world at over $2000 per ounce.
