Magnificent Trees And Shrubs Beginning With The Letter M

• Machadamia - This genus is made up of around eleven species. Ah, many of us know the delicious results of this specimen, with its Machadamia nuts. The Machadamia tree is native to Australia, Indonesia, and Sulawesi. The trees can mature up to forty feet tall. They thrive in the rain forests and are very frost tender. The Machadamia loves full sun, ample amount of water, and well drained soil. Small flowers are pink or white in color and the nuts can take up to five years to grow and mature after planting. Once the specimen is established, the nuts will are ready to pick in late summer. The Machademia will flower year around in tropical locations, and in the summer months in temperate areas. A brilliant native tree for the countries above, and grown also in zones ten and eleven in the United States.




• Magnolia - This magnificent specie has around one hundred family members. The specie was named after a French botanist named Pierre Magnol. These species are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs. The trees and shrubs are native to East Asia and both Americas. They will do well in zones seven through ten in the United States. Magnolias require well drained and fertile soil. This specie can take full sun or partial shade but should be protected from strong or salty winds. The magnificent aspects of these plants are their incredible fragrant flowers. In the variety of plants section there is a page and more information on the magnificent Magnolia specimen.



• Mahonia - This genus is made up of around seventy species. Native to East Asia, North and Central America. The Mahonia will grow well in zones five through ten in the United States. These species can take full sun in cooler climates, but require partial to full shade in warmer regions. They will thrive in well drained soil and regular watering. I have planted this specie for many clients and the magnificent Mahonia will look good in courtyards, along fences, decks and around decorative ponds. The plants don't need much pruning but they do produce basal suckers that can be cut to keep in control. One specie, the Oregon or Holly Grape will grow up to six feet tall. Tiny yellow flowers appear in spring before bearing fruit. Other varieties will produce the yellow flowers in summer, and purple-blue tone berries will emerge in the autumn and throughout the winter months. The leaves are pointed and can be sharp to touch.
• Malus - Around thirty five members make up this deciduous tree. Known for its magnificent flowers and fruit, these specimens are native to many northern temperate zones. The Malus can grow well in zones three through nine in the United States. One of the most popular trees in this genus is the Crabapple. These are very frost hardy trees and can take full sun and some partial shade. They love fertile and well drained soil and will need some protection against strong wind. In springtime, flowers appear in tones of white, deep pink and purple tones. Growing up, I remember the Crabapple trees, and tasting my mothers fresh Crabapple jelly on my morning toast. The Malus is a great specimen for a focal point around other evergreen trees and shrubs.





• Mangifera - Mango - The magnificent Mango is native to India and southeast Asia, This genus is a tropical to subtropical beauty and is an evergreen. The Mango loves monsoon conditions, but rain during the flowering stages can ruin the entire tree. Mangifera loves full sun and rich soil. In the tropics section, there is a page on the Mango specimen.



• Melia - There is only on specie in this family and native to parts of Asia, Iraq, Japan, and Australia. The tree is deciduous and can mature up to thirty feet. This specie loves a warm climate atmosphere and will thrive in zones eight through twelve in the United States. The Melia is a fast growing tree and the lilac tone flowers appear in late spring and early summer. After the flowers have died off, light orange to off white colored berries come alive. The birds devour these berries, but the berries are poisonous to humans. A great looking specimen.
• Melianthus - This magnificent family is made up of six members. All of these shrubs are all native to South Africa. The Honey Flower or Touch-Me-Not variety will mature anywhere from six to around ten feet tall. The Melianthus loves full sun, but can take some partial shade. Well drained to moist soil conditions will suit this shrub. Usually after the growing season, these shrubs are cut back as they can become leggy. The Melianthus will grow well in zones nine through eleven in the United States. If the leaves are bruised, they can produce and unpleasant order. Flowers on this species are a dark red tone and are followed by seed pods. This specie is grown for its foliage, but when blossoming, the flowers take center stage.
• Mespilus - Medlar - There is only one specie that makes up this genus. Native to Europe and southwest Asia, the Medlar is a deciduous tree. The thorns can be unattractive but the tree is grown for its tasty edible fruit. In early summer, tiny white flowers open up and this tree can mature up to twenty five feet. Mespilus need well drained soil and protection from strong winds. Another great deciduous specimen that will be striking in and around evergreen trees and shrubs.
• Mimulus - Monkey Flower - Musk - There are about one hundred and eighty specimens that make up this genus. They are native to cooler Pacific coastal areas, Chile and the United States. Most varieties will grow well in zones eight through ten in the United States. They love full sun or partial shade. These species can be annuals, perennials, or evergreen shrubs. Flowers range in color from crimson, orange, cream, and yellow. The Monkey or Musk plant will grow to around three feet high and wide. You can also see these specimens in northwest Mexico.

These nine magnificent families are only a fraction of some of the unique specimens that grow throughout many different geographic locations. From thorns to fragrant flowers, each genus makes up their own unique characteristics. This has been my pleasure to give you some more information in the list of plants section.