Came upon this Magnolia tree yesterday. These prehistoric beauties – fossils have been found dating back 20 million years (how cool is that!!?) – are opening their gorgeous petals right now. Supposedly back in those primitive times, before the bees, the Magnolia was pollinated by beetles, which is why it has those tough petals; those beetles were a lot rougher on the flowers than our delicate bees. Their opening is always a delight, as is the thick “snow” they leave on the ground at their falling.
Since watching these trees bloom, I have what is called an “earworm”… I can’t get this Stevie Wonder song out of my head that keeps looping…………..
Like a sweet magnolia tree
My love blossmed tenderly,
My life grew sweeter through the years.
~*~
daeja's view 
Fascinating! I had no idea magnolias were so old, or that they used to have to be pollinated by beetles. Really cool! Thanks for sharing.
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Oh yea, gorgeous trees, very common in Florida. I realize I became immune to their beauty because there were so many there. They were always with white flowers there.
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I love those trees, I have some favorite ones around Pok, and here that I always watch. Have one in my yard too, always hope the faithful buds make it out without getting frozen where I am. Trees are hardy, but depending on the frosts, the blossoms don’t always make . Never knew about the beetles pretty cool.
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another Magnolia fan here 🙂 I’d neve rcome across those Stevie Wonder lyrics before, just perfect!
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The Stevie Wonder song is called “I Was Made To Love Her”
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