Abstract: This paper deals with the number of ovules in Magnolia delavayi. The fruits from two population of M.delavayi were checked anatomically. The result shows that the number of ovules is variable. 2 ~ 7 ovules were observed in different carpels from the same fruit of M. delavayi. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 ovules in one carpel were discovered in the genus Magnolia for the first time. The number of ovules in a carpel is the most important taxonomic characteristic that distinguishes two genera. Magnolia and Manglietia. There are two ovules in one carpel of the genus Magnolia while 4 ~ 16 in Manglietia. The discovery of 3 ~ 7 ovules in one carpel of Magnolia delavayi implies that Magnolia and MangHetia may be the same genus. This result supports Baillon' s proposal that the genus Manglietia should be incorporated into the genus Magnolia.

Key words: Magnolia delavayi, Carpel Number or ovules