Could Aberglasney have the biggest leaf in Wales?

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04 Sep 2008

Gardeners at Aberglasney believe they may have discovered the biggest tree leaf in Wales. The enormous specimen was spotted this summer growing on a rare magnolia tree in Pigeon House Wood. The plant, which thrives in wet conditions, has flourished during the soggy summer months and is now boasting giant leaves – one measuring almost three feet in length.

Aberglasney’s Director of Operations, Graham Rankin said:
“We just may have found the biggest tree leaf in Wales. I’d be interested to know if there is anything larger out there. This Magnolia tree has attracted a lot of comments from visitors who say they have never seen such huge leaves on a tree before”.

The tree was originally grown from seed and was planted in 1999 as a semi-mature plant and seems to have loved the recent wet weather we’ve been having. It looks very impressive at the moment.

The Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is quite rare in its native habitat in the south-eastern United States. In the UK it is seldom seen outside botanical institutions and arboretums. Surprisingly, the tree itself doesn't get especially big, usually no more than 50 feet tall but its fragrant flowers, which appear in early summer, can be up to 15 inches wide.

Picture: Garden visitor 12-year-old Lily Fox, of Rhandirmwyn, with some of the giant magnolia leaves at Aberglasney.

For more information on Magnolia macrophylla please click on the link below.

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