Yurinoki (English spelling) tulip tree

A deciduous tall tree of the Magnoliaceae family (APG classification: Magnoliaceae). It can reach a height of 60 meters, with branches that slope upwards slightly, forming a regular tree. The leaves are alternate and have a very peculiar lobe shape. This resembles a hanten (traditional Japanese coat), and it is also called hantenboku. In May and June, it blooms yellow-green flowers similar to lilies and tulips, with orange spots at the bottom. The Japanese name is derived from the flower shape, and the English name, tulip tree, is also derived from this flower shape. Native to eastern North America. It grows well, and is often used as a park tree or roadside tree. The wood is relatively soft and does not warp easily, so it is used for architecture, furniture, and other items. It can be easily propagated by seed. The genus Liriodendron is famous for its isolated distribution in both North America and Asia, with only one other species, Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg., distributed in China and Vietnam. This genus is significantly different from other genera in the Magnoliaceae family in that the fruit does not dehisce but becomes a samara, the anthers of the stamens face outward, and the leaves have a unique shape; thus, as a single genus, it constitutes the tribe Liriodendronea.

[Kunihiko Ueda August 21, 2018]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

モクレン科（APG分類：モクレン科）の落葉高木。高さ60メートルに達し、枝はすこし斜上して整形樹となる。葉は互生し、たいへん特異に分裂した形を示す。これを半纏(はんてん)に見立て、ハンテンボクともいう。5～6月、ユリやチューリップに似た黄緑色で底部に橙(だいだい)色の斑(ふ)が入る花を開く。和名はこの花形に由来し、英名のチューリップノキも同様である。北アメリカ東部原産。成長がよく、公園樹、街路樹としての利用が多い。材は比較的柔らかくて狂いが少ないため、建築、家具調度品などに利用する。繁殖は実生(みしょう)で容易にできる。ユリノキ属は、他の1種シナユリノキL. chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg.が中国、ベトナムに分布し、北アメリカとアジア両大陸に隔離分布することで有名である。本属はモクレン科の他の属に比べ、果実は裂開せずに翼果となり、雄しべは葯(やく)が外向きで、葉が特異な形になるなどの点で大きく異なり、1属でユリノキ連を構成する。

［植田邦彦　2018年8月21日］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例