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Endangered Florida Tree Honored By National Garden Club

An endangered species of Magnolia is the Garden Club of America’s 2017 plant of the year. Researchers at the University of Florida are studying why it’s become rare.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have studied the Ashe Magnolia for three years. The tree only grows in the Panhandle. They’re trying to find out why it's having trouble reproducing. The plant is popular among gardeners for its large purple and white blossoms. The Ashe Magnolias flower in April.

Sarah Mueller is a journalist who has worked for media outlets in several states since 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2010 and worked as a print reporter covering local government and politics.