OBJECTIVETo reveal the mutative discipline of the contents of the phenols in samples from different provenances.

METHODThe contents of magnolol and honokiol in samples from the filial generation of Guanxi, Hubei and Zhejiang provinces were determined respectively by HPLC.

RESULTThere were significant variations between provenances, the contents of honokiol, magnolol and phenols were the highest in samples from Hubei province, those were the lowest in samples from Zhejiang province. There were not only significant differences in polyphenol content between provenances, but also in families in the same provenance and individuals in families.

CONCLUSIONMagnolia polyphenol content and appearance traits were significantly related. The type with the small convex tip (original form) were superior to other types of M. officinalis judging from the characteristics of tree classification. The high quality of M. officinalis should actually be attributed to their local varieties and the breeding strategy of M. officinalis should be paid full attention to the good provenances, good families and good individuals.