Various editors

“ It differs from H. coronarium, in regard to its flowers, which are about one-third smaller, having the inner segments of the corolla linear-clavate, the fissure of the lip narrow, with straight sides, and its base contracted into a linear claw. They partake not only of the yellow colour of those of Michelia Champaca, but possess even the peculiar fragrance of the latter, only in a less powerful, and therefore, more grateful degree. In stature and leaves both species are alike. ”

“ Spike terminal, large, shorter than the uppermost leaves, consisting of loosely imbricated, coriaceous, broad, ovate, smooth, four-flowered bracteas, each about three inches long ; inner bracteas thin and membranaceous, much smaller than the outer ones. Flowers very large; orange coloured, highly fragrant. Calyx two inches long, oblong at the upper end, subventricose and split on one side, much bearded, entire. Tube of the Corolla cylindrical, two inches and a half long, double the length of the calyx; limb spreading ”