Xin Yi Hua

Magnolia biondii is a deciduous tree native to central China, reaching 10-12 meters in height with a rounded crown and smooth grey bark. The alternate leaves are elliptic to obovate, 10-18 cm long, with entire margins and short petioles. Conspicuously, the unopened flower buds form in late summer and persist through winter, covered in dense silvery-grey or brownish pubescence that gives them a fuzzy, conical appearance. In early spring before the leaves emerge, the buds open to reveal fragrant tepals that are white inside and pink or purple-flushed outside. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles. In TCM, the dried unopened flower buds (Xin Yi Hua) are used as a warm, acrid herb for nasal congestion and sinus disorders.