The Magnolia family, comprising about 10 genera and 85 species of trees and shrubs, is represented in North America by 4 genera, two of which contain only shrubs. The other two include the valuable Magnolias and Tulip Tree which not only produce large quantities of choice lumber but are among the most desirable of our ornamental trees.
Magnolia, (pp. [125], [127], [129]).—Most of the 25 species of Magnolias are tropical only one venturing as far north as southern Canada. Three species are native in West Virginia. Magnolia virginiana, a fragrant-flowered species growing farther east and south, is sometimes planted in West Virginia but is not hardy. Several shrubby and arborescent Chinese and Japanese species are also grown for ornamental use.
Liriodendron, (page [131]).—The Chinese Liriodendron chinensis and our common Tulip Tree are the only known species belonging to this genus.
ANONACEAE—THE CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY
This family is essentially tropical, only a few of the 600 species being found in temperate regions. It has 2 genera, Asimina (page [133]) and Anona, the former having 5 species of shrubs in the south Atlantic and Gulf states, and one tree growing in the eastern half of the United States. Anona is a tropical genus.
The trees of this family are small and the wood has no commercial value. The fruit of our Common Pawpaw is sweet and edible, but to many persons distasteful. The tree is highly ornamental and interesting when growing singly or in groups.
LAURACEAE—THE LAUREL FAMILY
The Laurel family, with about 40 genera and nearly 1000 species, is represented in North America by 6 genera, of which 4 are arborescent. Most of the species are tropical. The 2 genera represented in West Virginia are Sassafras, (page [135]) and Benzoin, the latter having 1 shrubby species, the common Spice Bush. The Sassafras described herein is the only member of this genus in North America. Another species is found in China.