This magnolia tree lives right next to the beautiful mudojang of Master Chae, where we train both Taekwondo and Haidong Gumdo.

It is in full bloom right now, so I wanted to take a moment to share the view.

I marvel at how swiftly nature changes it’s look in spring.

Bonus Geekery

Did you know magnolia evolved before bees did? Neither did I.

From Wikipedia:

Magnolia is an ancient genus.

Appearing before bees did, the flowers are theorized to have evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.

To avoid damage from pollinating beetles, the carpels of Magnolia flowers are extremely tough.

Fossilised specimens of M. acuminata have been found dating to 20 million years ago, and of plants identifiably belonging to the Magnoliaceae date to 95 million years ago.

Wow. Right?