Red List of the Magnoliaceae

The Red List of the Magnoliaceae, published jointly by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI), through the Global Trees Campaign (GTC), identifies 131 wild magnolias as being in danger of extinction, from a global total of 245 species.

The significance of this potentially catastrophic loss lies not only in the threat to the genetic diversity of the family, but also because they are a highly sensitive indicator of the well-being of the forests in which they are found. Magnolias are among the most ancient groups of flowering plants and have long been cultivated by mankind. Some specimens growing in the precincts of Chinese temples are estimated to be up to 800 years old. Still popular as ornamental plants in gardens around the world (although fewer than 15 species are common in cultivation), in the wild magnolias are a source of timber, food and medicines for local communities.

Download the Red List of the Magnoliaceae

Conserving Threatened Magnolia Species

Magnolias may be blooming in Britain's gardens this spring, but in the wild it is an altogether different story. BGCI has launched a project focusing on the Critically Endangered and Endangered Magnolias around the world.

BGCI's Global Survey of Threatened Magnoliaceae in Cultivation

BGCI is very interested in finding out which Magnoliaceae are currently in cultivation. If your botanic garden's collection includes any of the species listed in the recent Red List of Magnoliaceae as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) then we would like to hear from you.

Magnolia Images

Over half the world’s magnolia species are close to extinction in the wild, says a new report from BGCI and Fauna and Flora International. We've gathered some pictures.

Where to see Magnolias in the UK and Beyond

These UK botanic gardens have told BGCI they have notable collections of Magnoliaceae.

Find Out More

The Magnolia Society
The Magnolia Society is a worldwide organization of more than 700 members in 32 countries – both professional and amateur – who share an interest in magnolias. The Society publishes Magnolia: Journal of the Magnolia Society twice each year.

Fauna and Flora International
FFI is a pioneer in sustainable conservation that provides solutions that simultaneously help wildlife, humans and the environment. FFI acts to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, are based on sound science and take account of human needs.

Save the Magnolias

Global Magnoliaceae Survey

Does your botanic garden grow threatened Magnolias? If it does, BGCI is very interested to hear from you as we are conducting a global survey which will be used by the Global Trees Campaign to initiate integrated measures to restore wild populations and strengthen ex situ collections.

World Checklist of Magnoliaceae

Covering 7 genera, 223 species, this volume contains the first full list of the Magnolias (128 species). With additional information on life forms and distribution, and bibliography of the most relevant taxonomic literature, this is an essential reference for biologists, growers and collectors.

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