Tulips and Magnolias

— When Denzil Nature came up with the challenge for Tulips and Magnolias, I did not know how much I was going to learn about those two flowers. At first, I thought they might be related. After some quick online research, I discovered they are not related at all.

For the sake of variety, I chose to feature a Mexican Tulip Poppy that I had photographed at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center here in Austin, Texas. The Mexican Tulip Poppy, also known as the golden poppy or mallow-leaved poppy, is called a “tulip” poppy due to its resemblance to the flower shape of a tulip. You can easily see that on the photo on the side. The bright orange or yellow petals are tapered and flared at the ends, resembling the silhouette of a tulip. Despite the similarity in appearance, the Mexican tulip poppy is not related to true tulips. It belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and is native to Mexico and Central America. This family has 825 species of flowering plants. Some examples of Papaveraceae plants include: Bleeding heart, Bloodroot, California poppy, Celandine poppy, Creamcups, Fumitory, and Opium poppy. 

In the next set of photos, you can see the inside of a Mexican Tulip Poppy along with a visitor.

Magnolias, on the other hand, known for their fragrant flowers, are a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Magnoliaceae. They are believed to be one of the oldest flowering plants on Earth, dating back millions of years. Some believe, according to fossil records, that magnolias existed even before bees evolved. Although the white variety is more common, magnolias also appear in pink, purple, and yellow.

Magnolias can be symbols of beauty, purity, and dignity. In some cultures, they are considered a symbol of love and femininity.

These magnolia flowers were photographed at the Bayou Bend Gardens, in Houston, Texas.