Michelia x Alba

White Champaca tree description

Michelia x Alba (White Champaca) is a natural or artificial hybrid between Magnolia Champaca tree and m. Montana. It is not common in the wild and possibly originated in Thailand. The tree is large, and reaches a height of 80 feet, but is often much smaller. It has an erect, moderate to dense crown with an oval or rounded shape. Also, the crown may be as wide as the tree is tall. Typically, it has a light gray to green, smooth bark. Moreover, the leaves are light green, glossy, evergreen, oval or round-shape, and up to 14 inches long.

Furthermore, the flowers are white, showy, and fragrant. The star-shaped flowers have narrow petals borne at branch ends. The blooms are short-lived but quickly replaced, keeping the tree in flower all year. Flowers attract insects. The fruit is a dry, hard, red to green capsule, 1/2 – 1 1/2 inches long. The leaves and flowers contain an essential oil used in perfume; flowers are also used to make tea and medicine. The parent trees are harvested for timber.

Michelia Alba tree cultivation

White Champaca tree is propagated by cuttings.

Michelia x Alba (White Champaca) prefers well-drained soils with regular watering. In landscaping, this tree is an excellent showy accent or specimen tree, and does well in large containers; it is ideal for a fragrance garden.

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