Magnolia officinalis, Eucommia ulmoides, and Phellodendron amurense are collectively known as "Sanmu" in traditional Chinese medicine. These herbs are primarily used for their ability to dry dampness, relieve gas, and treat conditions such as abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, and phlegm-related coughs. They are widely utilized in various herbal formulas, with Magnolia officinalis being a key ingredient in over 200 prescriptions. Recent scientific studies have also revealed its antibacterial, anti-ulcer, antispasmodic, anti-allergic, and muscle-relaxing properties. Due to its medicinal value, Magnolia officinalis is classified as a second-class protected plant and a second-class protected herb in China.
Propagation of Magnolia officinalis is mainly done through seeds. The seed propagation process involves several key steps:
1. **Seed Selection and Treatment**: Choose healthy parent plants of Magnolia officinalis. In October each year, when the fruits turn red, collect the seeds. Remove the outer layers and select only those that are full and free from disease. The hard outer shell and wax coating of the seeds make them difficult to absorb moisture, so pre-treatment is essential. Soak the seeds in cold water (or warm water at 20°C to 25°C) for 2–3 days. After soaking, place them in a bamboo basket and rub them with your feet while washing the seeds. Once cleaned, rinse with warm water and dry them. Alternatively, mix the seeds with coarse sand and rub them by hand to remove the outer layer before sowing.
2. **Sowing Method**: Sow the seeds between October and December, ideally around the winter solstice. For regions like Sichuan and Hubei, sowing can be delayed until late February. Prepare a nursery area that is partially shaded and well-drained, close to the afforestation site. Plow the soil to a depth of 25 cm in the first winter, let it weather, and then break up the clods in the following spring. Apply 2,500 kg of wood ash or 1,000 kg of manure water per mu, or 800 kg of cow dung, and mix thoroughly. Create raised beds 15–20 cm high and 100–120 cm wide, with drainage ditches around. Plant the seeds in rows spaced 20 cm apart, with 10–15 cm between plants. Dig shallow trenches about 3 cm deep, sow the seeds evenly, cover with 2–3 cm of soil, and add a thin layer of grass to keep the soil moist.
3. **Seedling Management**: Seedlings typically emerge in March of the second year. Once they appear, remove weak or overcrowded ones. When the seedlings reach 6–7 cm in height, apply 1,000 kg of diluted human excrement per acre to promote growth. From May onward, provide shade to protect the young plants. Apply 3–4 kg of urea per acre in June to support further development. Ensure regular watering during dry periods and proper drainage during the rainy season to prevent root rot. Seedlings can be transplanted after one year of growth.
4. **Afforestation Site Selection**: Choose mid- to high-altitude slopes between 800–1,700 meters for Chuan-Ho-Peng, while lower altitudes (600–800 meters) are suitable for Magnolia officinalis. Select sunny slopes with deep, fertile, and moist sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Clear the site of roots and stones, break up the soil, dig holes 60 cm wide and 50 cm deep, and allow the soil to weather. Mix 10 kg of compost or manure fertilizer into the soil as a base before planting.
5. **Transplanting**: Transplant Magnolia in late autumn or early spring before the "Rain" solar term. Carefully lift the seedlings, trim the main roots, and place one seedling per hole. Ensure the roots are naturally extended. Cover half the soil, gently lift the seedling upward, and then fill the hole completely. Water thoroughly and cover with loose soil and mulch. During the first 5–6 years, intercrop with low-growing crops like beans or corn, but avoid planting too close to Magnolia to prevent competition.
In the afforestation area, fertilization is generally not required unless conditions permit. Apply a moderate amount of compost or organic fertilizer in winter, or use urea in spring to encourage growth. Common diseases include leaf blight and root rot, while pests such as brown beetles may also occur. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are necessary. Magnolia officinalis can be harvested after 15 years of cultivation, making it a long-term but valuable medicinal crop.
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