University of Virginia Library

Magnolia Controversy Blooms

By Rob Buford
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

The Cavalier Daily has been
beset by a torrent of protests phoned
in with reference to this controversial
tree (right) which was
erroneously identified as a dogwood
in yesterday's paper by one
of the newspaper's Canadian reporters.
The tree, which adorns the
front of Newcomb Hall, is not,
according to many upset nature
lovers, Virginia's state flower. The
Cavalier Daily regrets the mistake
and has made every effort to right
the wrong.

A veritable parade of individuals
have either volunteered or been
asked their opinions as to the
botanical identity of this specimen
which, regardless of the confusion,
still serves as a harbinger of warmer
days to come.

John Herring, director of Newcomb
Hall, offered the opinion that
the tree is a Japanese tulip. He said
that many others believe that it is a
magnolia. Included in this group
was one studious looking gentleman
with a British accent, who said,
"Yes, it's definitely a magnolia."

Two student guides at the
Rotunda were queried and stated
that the tree, which is covered with
lovely white and lavender petals, is
a dogwood. One Cavalier Daily staff
member was under the impression
that it is a pine. The Features
Editor stated, "I thought it was a
dogwood. Otherwise, why would I
say so?"

Several elderly ladies called the
paper in indignation, one of whom
asserted that we were dealing with a

Japanese tulip. Hesitant to accept
this, we called the Department of
Buildings and Grounds. After
lengthy research on their part, we
were surprised to learn that, indeed,
the tree is a Japanese tulip,
otherwise known as magnolia soulangeana.

The exact cause of the misunderstanding
lies in the fact that the
tree does not bear the customary
plaque explaining it.