Magnolia Trees
ROAMING UNDERFOOT, 2018
Nancy Blum
Glass Mosaic
Metropolitan Transportation Authority:
28th St Subway Station, NY (the 4,6)
Just down the street from the Flower District in NYC, floral glass mosaic murals by artist Nancy Blum have transformed the platform walls of the historic 28th St Lexington Station. Not far from Madison Square Park, the murals depict seven flowering plants from the Perennial Collection from Madison Square Park Conservancy. These flowers include Red Buds, Magnolias, Hellebores, Witch Hazel, Daffodils, Hydrangea and Camellia.
These year-round blooming plants are from the urban sanctuary and had been chosen as a representation of the plant species that can withstand the ever-changing climate of the city. The murals create a peaceful place to enjoy during every season.
With the selection of flowers, we zoom in on the Magnolia flower which is actually the flower of a tree. Part of the Magnoliaceae family, the magnolia has over 200 species. It was named after a French botanist Pierre Magnol.
The Magnolia species can be naturally found in east and southeast Asia and eastern North America and Central America, the West Indies, and some in South America. Magnolia is an ancient genus appearing before bees. The flowers are theorized to have evolved by pollination from beetles. Over time, magnolias slowly adopted their flowers to become more attractive to bees (to ensure successful pollination, of course).
Magnolias have been around since the Tertiary Period. Fossilized specimens have been found dating back 20 million years ago. Magnolias are ancient plants. They have exist on the planet at least 95 million years.
It is said, ice destroyed several ancient forests in Europe and Russia during the Ice Age, but some forests in Asia and the Americas had not been affected, and that is why magnolias are found in these parts.
Over the years, magnolias now have become an inspiration for companies, designs, and culture with their delicate looks, amazing smells, and overall beauty, magnolias will continue to thrive on Earth for a million more years.