Magnolia maudiae (Smiling Monkey Forest Tree)

Magnolia maudiae (syn. Michelia maudiae), the Smiling Monkey Forest tree, is native to southern China. A shrubby tree occasionally reaching 20m in the wild, it is found growing in evergreen broadleaf forests from 600-1,500m above sea level. A well-shaped evergreen species, it blooms early with heavily fragrant white flowers, and has attractive bluish-green leaves. It is used as a street tree in southern Chinese cities.