Subhah Shirin at 08:12, 26 March 2026

2026-03-26T08:12:03Z

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{{Short description|Species of tree}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Champac|Champak}}
{{Speciesbox
| name =
| image = Michelia champaca Blanco1.191-cropped.jpg
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
|status_ref = <ref name="IUCN">{{cite iucn |last=Khela |first=S. |date=2014 |title=''Magnolia champaca'' |volume=2014 |article-number=e.T191869A15267603 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T191869A15267603.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| genus = Magnolia
| display_parents = 3
| parent = Magnolia subsect. Michelia
| species = champaca
| authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Henri Ernest Baillon|Baill.]] ex [[Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre|Pierre]]<ref name="POWO">{{cite web |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554657-1 |title=''Magnolia champaca'' (L.) Baill. ex Pierre |date=2023 |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew |access-date=19 August 2023}}</ref>
| synonyms = {{collapsible list| {{Species list
|Champaca michelia|Noronha
|Magnolia membranacea|P.Parm.
|Michelia aurantiaca|Wall.
|Michelia blumei|Steud.
|Michelia champaca|L.
|Michelia euonymoides|Burm.f.
|Michelia rheedei|Wight
|Michelia rufinervis|DC.
|Michelia sericea|Pers.
|Michelia suaveolens|Pers.
|Sampacca euonymoides|(Burm.f.) Kuntze
|Sampacca suaveolens|(Pers.) Kuntze
}} }}
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="POWO"/>
}}

'''''Magnolia champaca''''', known in English as '''champak''' ({{IPAc-en|'|tʃ|ʌ|m|p|ə|k}}),<ref>{{OED| CHAMPAK}}</ref> is a large evergreen tree in the family [[Magnoliaceae]].<ref name=efloras>{{cite web |url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200008479 |title=''Michelia champaca'' Linnaeus |date=n.d. |website=Flora of China |publisher=eFloras |access-date= 7 December 2015}}</ref> It was previously classified as '''''Michelia champaca'''''.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=pachort/> It is known for its fragrant flowers, and its timber used in woodworking.

==Etymology==
The species epithet, ''champaca'', comes from the [[Sanskrit]] word "चम्पक" {{IAST|campaka}} ({{IPA|sa|tɕɐmpɐkɐ|pron}}).<ref>{{cite dictionary |year=1981 |title=चम्प ''campa'' |dictionary=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |place=Delhi, Varanasi, Patna |url=https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/csl-apidev/servepdf.php?dict=MW&page=388 |author-link=Monier Monier-Williams |page=388 |last1=Monier-Williams |first1=Monier}}</ref>

===Vernacular names===
Other vernacular names in [[English language|English]] include joy perfume tree,<ref name=pachort>[http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/striving-for-diversity-fragrant-champaca/ Pacific Horticulture Society: "Striving for Diversity: Fragrant Champaca"] . accessed 7.12.2015</ref> yellow jade orchid tree and fragrant Himalayan champaca.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53529/ |title=PlantFiles |author= |website=Dave's Garden |access-date=2015-08-02 }}</ref><ref name=monrovia />

==Distribution and habitat==
The tree is native to the [[Indomalayan realm]], consisting of South Asia, Southeast Asia−Indochina, and southern China.<ref>{{GRIN | access-date = 15 December 2017}}</ref>

It is found in [[tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests]] ecoregions, at elevations of {{convert|200|-|1600|m|ft}}.<ref name=efloras/> It is native to the [[Maldives]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Cambodia]], [[China]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], the [[Philippines]], [[Thailand]], and [[Vietnam]].<ref name=efloras/> In China it is native to southern [[Tibet]] and southern/southwestern [[Yunnan]] Provinces.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=nepal>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=110&taxon_id=20000847 efloras.org: Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal − ''Michelia (Magnolia) champaca'']</ref> In 2021, an isolated, presumably native population of ''M. champaca'' was identified in [[Yemen]], making ''M. champaca'' the only species in the [[Magnoliaceae]] known to inhabit the [[Arabian Peninsula]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Al-Sagheer |first=Nageeb A. |date=2021-05-01 |title=''Magnolia champaca'' (L.) Baill. ex Pierre (Magnoliaceae): A first report and a new record in the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen) |journal=Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences |language=en |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=243–247 |doi=10.1016/j.jssas.2021.02.003 |issn=1658-077X |doi-access=free}}</ref>

== Description ==

In its native range ''Magnolia champaca'' grows to {{convert|50|m|ft}} or taller. Its trunk can be up to {{convert|1.9|m|ft}} in diameter. The tree has a narrow umbelliform [[tree crown|crown]].<ref name=efloras/>

It has strongly fragrant flowers in varying shades of cream to yellow-orange which bloom during June to September.<ref name="efloras" /> The obovoid-ellipsoid [[carpel]]s produce 2−4 seeds during September to October.<ref name="efloras" />

<gallery mode="packed" heights="160px">
File:White champak flower.jpg|White champak flower
File:Inflorescence of Champak flower.jpg|Base of champak flower
File:Champak flower parts.jpg|Single champak petal
</gallery>

==Varieties and hybrids==
[[File:Magnolia1.jpg|thumb|Orange coloured variety flower at over bloom]]
''Magnolia champaca'' [[variety (botany)|varieties]] and [[hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s include:
*''Magnolia (Michelia) champaca'' var. ''champaca'' — ''Huang lan (yuan bian zhong)'', (黄兰(原变种)) in [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. To {{convert|30|m|ft}} tall, documented in China.<ref>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250090232 efloras.org: Flora of China treatment of ''Michelia (Magnolia) champaca'' var. ''champaca'']</ref>
*''Magnolia (Michelia) champaca'' var. ''pubinervia'' — ''Mao ye mai huang lan'' (毛叶脉黄兰) in Chinese. To {{convert|50|m|ft}} tall or taller, documented in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242332307|title=Flora of China FOC Vol. 7 pg 51, 80. — ''Michelia (Magnolia) champaca'' var. ''pubinervia''}}</ref>
*[[Magnolia × alba|''Magnolia'' × ''alba'']] — white-flowered hybrid of ''Magnolia champaca'' and ''[[Magnolia montana]]''.<ref name=pachort/>

In Thailand, there are other purported hybrids cultivated with other species, including with ''[[Magnolia liliifera]]'' and ''[[Magnolia coco]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

==Cultural aspects==
[[File:Stamp_of_Indonesia_-_1993_-_Colnect_252642_-_Flora_and_Fauna_-_Michelia_champaca.jpeg|thumb|Indonesian Stamp of 1993, featuring the ''Jeumpa'' flower of Aceh.]]
[[File:Kathalichapa or Kanthali Champa flower in West Bengal 04.jpg|left|thumb|Magnolia champaca in India]]
In [[Theravada Buddhism]], champaca is said to have been used as the tree for achieving enlightenment, or Bodhi, by the fourteenth [[Buddha]] called "Aththadassi – අත්ථදස්සි". According to Tibetan beliefs, the Buddha of the next era will find enlightenment under the white flower canopy of the champaca tree.<ref name=monrovia>{{cite web | title = Fragrant Himalayan Champaca | url = http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1850/fragrant-himalayan-champaca/ | publisher = Monrovia Nurseries | access-date = 12 July 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150713171342/http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1850/fragrant-himalayan-champaca/ | archive-date = 13 July 2015}}</ref> It also has importance in [[Hindu]] culture.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

In the province of [[Aceh]], [[Indonesia]], the champak flower ({{Langx|ace|bungong jeumpa}}) is highly revered in [[Acehnese people|Acehnese]] culture, being seen as the flower of Aceh as a whole.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Redaksi |date=2022-12-26 |title=Bungong Jeumpa dalam Budaya Aceh |url=https://leughok.com/bungong-jeumpa-aceh/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=LEUGHOK.COM |language=id}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last=Serambi |first=Wahana News |date=2021-11-26 |title=Cempaka Kuning Flora Khas dari Provinsi Aceh |url=https://serambi.wahananews.co/khas/cempaka-kuning-flora-khas-dari-provinsi-aceh/1 |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Wahana News Serambi |language=id}}</ref> It's used as a symbol of beauty,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lissafrina |date=28 June 2024 |title=Mengenal Bungong Jeumpa yang Jadi Kebanggaan Masyarakat Aceh |trans-title=Getting to Know the Pride of the Acehnese People, the Champak Flower |url=https://rri.co.id/daerah/786512/mengenal-bungong-jeumpa-yang-jadi-kebanggaan-masyarakat-aceh |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=rri.co.id}}</ref> commonly seen in rituals or used as [[Ornamental plant|ornaments]].<ref name=":32"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2 September 2023 |title=Tari Bungong Jeumpa: Asal-usul, Makna, Lirik, dan Gerakan |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/edukasi/20230824143207-569-990018/tari-bungong-jeumpa-asal-usul-makna-lirik-dan-gerakan |access-date=30 July 2025 |website=www.cnnindonesia.com |place=Jakarta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=LindungiHutan |first=Magang Alam |date=2023-07-31 |title=Bunga Cempaka: Tanaman Hijau Abadi Khas Aceh |url=https://lindungihutan.com/blog/mengenal-bunga-cempaka/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |language=en-US}}</ref> An Acehnese [[Folk music|folk song]] titled {{Lang|ace|[[Bungong Jeumpa]]}} ({{Literal translation|Champak Flower}}) sings about its beauty and characteristics.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

==Uses==

===Fragrance===
The flowers are used in South Asia, especially India, for several purposes. They are primarily used in worship ceremonies, whether at home or out in temples, they are also more generally worn in hair by girls and women as a means of beauty ornament as well as a natural perfume. Flowers are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant and colourful decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands.<ref>{{cite book |last=Minter |first=Sue |chapter=Fragrant Plants |editor-last1=Prance |editor-first1=Ghillean |editor-last2=Nesbitt |editor-first2=Mark |date=2005 |title=The Cultural History of Plants |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ejo63Wk5rgC |location=London, England, UK |publisher=Routledge |page=242 |isbn=978-0-415-92746-8}}</ref>

The tree was traditionally used to make fragrant hair and massage oils. [[Jean Patou]]'s famous perfume, '[[Joy (perfume)|Joy]]', the second best selling perfume in the world after [[Chanel No. 5]], is derived in part from the essential oils of champaca flowers. The vernacular name "Joy perfume tree" comes from this.<ref name=pachort/>

A scent similar to the scent of this plant is said to be emitted by a [[civet]] in [[Sri Lanka]], ''[[Paradoxurus montanus]]''. Because all the other civets are known to emit very unpleasant odours, this species is renowned for emitting a pleasant odour similar to this plant's scent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wizzley.com/sri-lankan-brown-palm-civets-paradoxurus-montanus-non-ringtails-of-sri-lanka/|title=Sri Lankan Brown Palm Civets (Paradoxurus montanus): Non-Ringtails of Sri Lanka}}</ref>

===Timber===
[[File:Champak fruits.jpg|thumb|Fruits of the champak tree]]
In its native India and Southeast Asia, champaca is logged for its valuable [[timber]].<ref name=pachort/> It has a finely textured, dark brown and olive-colored wood, which is used in furniture making, construction, and cabinetry.<ref name=pachort/>

The species is protected from logging in some states of India, especially in the Southwestern region, where certain groves are considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists.<ref name=pachort/>

===Cultivation===
''Magnolia champaca'' is cultivated by specialty [[plant nursery|plant nurseries]] as an [[ornamental plant]], for its form as an ornamental tree, as a dense screening [[hedge]], and for its fragrant flowers.<ref name=monrovia/> It is planted in the ground in tropical and in [[subtropical climate]] gardens, such as in coastal Southern and Central California.<ref name=pachort/><ref name=monrovia/> It is planted in containers in cooler temperate climates.<ref name=pachort/> It requires full sun and regular watering.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

== Ecology ==
The fragrant flowers attract butterflies and [[hummingbird]]s.<ref name=monrovia/> Its [[aril]]-covered seeds are highly attractive to birds.<ref>FRISCH, J.D. & FRISCH, C.D. - ''Aves Brasileiras e Plantas que as atraem'', São Paulo, Dalgas Ecotec, 3rd. edition, 2005, {{ISBN|85-85015-07-1}}, page 374</ref>

==Alkaloids==
[[Ushinsunine]] (aka [[Micheline A]]) [3175-89-1] is an [[aporphine]] alkaloid contained in ''Magnolia champaca''.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Yang, T.-H.)), ((Hsiao, C.-Y.)) | journal=Yakugaku Zasshi | title=Studies on the Alkaloids of Magnoliaceous Plants. XXXVI: Alkaloids of Michelia Champaca LINN | volume=83 | issue=2 | pages=216–218 | date= 1963 | doi=10.1248/yakushi1947.83.2_216}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*Fernando, M. Thilina R., et al. "Identifying dormancy class and storage behaviour of champak (Magnolia champaca) seeds, an important tropical timber tree." Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 41.2 (2013): 141–146.

==External links==
{{commons category|Magnolia champaca}}
* [http://www.rngr.net/Publications/ttsm/Folder.2003-07-11.4726/PDF.2004-03-15.2835/file Chittagong University, Bangladesh: ''Michelia champaca'' - detailed information]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q167027}}

[[Category:Magnolia|champaca]]
[[Category:Trees of China]]
[[Category:Flora of tropical Asia]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Garden plants of Asia]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Henri Ernest Baillon]]
[[Category:Botanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Jean Baptiste Louis Pierre]]

Magnolia champaca - Revision history

Subhah Shirin at 08:12, 26 March 2026