Michelia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). The genus includes about 50 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, native to tropical and subtropical south and southeast Asia (Indomalaya), including southern China.

The Magnoliaceae are an ancient family; fossil plants identifiably belonging to the Magnoliaceae back to 95 million years. A primitive aspect of the Magnolia family is that their large, cup-shaped flowers lack distinct petals or sepals. The large non-specialized flower parts, resembling petals, are called tepals.

The leaves, flowers, and form of Michelia resemble Magnolia, but the blossoms of Michelia generally form clusters among the leaves, rather than singly at the branch ends like Magnolia.

Several of the larger species are locally important sources of timber, while Champak (M. champaca) produces an essential oil that is used for perfume. A few species have been introduced to gardens or as street trees outside of Indomalaya, including M. figo, M. doltsopa, and M. champaca. The genus is named after the Florentine botanist Pietro Antonio Michele (1679–1737).

Michelia species

• M. alba. Aka White Champaca or White Sandalwood.
• M. angustioblonga
• M. balansae
• M. calcicola
• M. caloptila
• M. cavaleriei
• M. champaca. Champak. Native to India, Java, and the Philippines. A tree or shrub which grows from 3 to 6 meters high and wide. Glossy bright green leaves to 16 cm. Produces fragrant orange, yellow, or creamy white flowers in the spring. The flowers of this plant produce an essential oil that is used in perfume.
• M. chapensis
• M. compressa
• M. crassipes
• M. doltsopa. Large shrubs and trees, growing to 30 meters in its native Himalayas. Varies in form from bushy to narrow and upright. Leathery dark-green leaves, 6 to 17 cm in length. Clusters of creamy white flowers in winter. Growing in popularity as a street tree in coastal California.
• M. elegans
• M. figo. Banana Shrub. A slow growing shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters high and nearly as wide. Densely covered with small glossy green leaves. Bears clusters of large, white, sometimes purple-streaked, flowers with a potent, sweet banana scent. Port Wine Magnolia is a variety that bears rose to maroon flowers.
• M. flaviflora
• M. floribunda
• M. foveolata
• M. fujianensis
• M. fulgens
• M. fuscata
• M. guangxiensis
• M. hedyosperma
• M. iteophylla
• M. kisopa
• M. lacei
• M. laevifolia
• M. longifolia
• M. longipetiolata
• M. longistamina
• M. longistyla
• M. macclurei
• M. martinii
• M. maudiae
• M. mediocris
• M. montana
• M. nilagirica. Native to southern India.
• M. pachycarpa
• M. platypetala
• M. polylneura
• M. sinensis (M. wilsonii)
• M. shiluensis
• M. skinneriana
• M. sphaerantha
• M. szechuanica
• M. xanthantha
• M. yunnanensis