The Yulan magnolia (Magnolia heptapeta) belongs to Magnoliaceae (the Magnolia family). It is a tall deciduousl tree that is native to east and south China. This tree grows in sunny places and can reach about 15 m in height. The barks are grayish white and smooth. The leaves are obovate and alternate. The silky white flowers bloom from March to April before foliation. The flower has nine tepals. They bloom when getting the morning sun, and deflate at evening. In Chinese, it is called "玉蘭" (yu lan).