Magnolia (Magnoliaceae)
There are about 35 species of Magnolia in Britain. The one photographed, again in Dulwich park, is a Saucer Magnolia. As with all Magnolias there are lots of different cultivars so you will see Saucer Magnolias with different flower colours. When I think of a flowering Magnolia tree I see something similar to the above photo but there are lots of very different looking flower types including the Star Magnolia and Campbell’s Magnolia, which look quite different. These trees seem to be present in driveways, especially, all over London. There are few trees that rival the flowering properties of Saucer Magnolia with the possible exception of certain cherry blossoms. Magnolias are thought to be amongst the most primitive of flowering plants with fossils dating back many millions of years. Their use is not only ornamental but also medicinal and as timber. Parts of the bark may be used by herbalists to treat coughs and problems with the digestive tract.
There are about 35 species of Magnolia in Britain. The one photographed, again in Dulwich park, is a Saucer Magnolia. As with all Magnolias there are lots of different cultivars so you will see Saucer Magnolias with different flower colours. When I think of a flowering Magnolia tree I see something similar to the above photo but there are lots of very different looking flower types including the Star Magnolia and Campbell’s Magnolia, which look quite different. These trees seem to be present in driveways, especially, all over London. There are few trees that rival the flowering properties of Saucer Magnolia with the possible exception of certain cherry blossoms. Magnolias are thought to be amongst the most primitive of flowering plants with fossils dating back many millions of years. Their use is not only ornamental but also medicinal and as timber. Parts of the bark may be used by herbalists to treat coughs and problems with the digestive tract. 
I think it was one of these that used to drop its petals on the ground on my way to school. I used to think they looked just like ears all over the floor and was very careful not to step on any!
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