Scientific Name: Michelia figo (also known as M. fuscata)
Common Names: Banana flower, Smiling flower
Family: Magnoliaceae
Native to southern China, including Guangdong, Fujian, and parts of Guangxi, this beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree is also commonly cultivated in northern regions in pots. It thrives in bright light but can tolerate partial shade. It is not suited for full sun exposure. The plant prefers a warm and humid environment, and during winter, it should be kept at room temperatures above 5°C. It has moderate cold hardiness.
Michelia figo prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Its roots are sensitive, so the soil must remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. It does not tolerate dry conditions well.
This species typically grows to a height of 2–5 meters, with dense branches and a rounded crown. Young twigs are covered in a fine, rust-brown hair. The leaves are alternate, leathery, obovate or elliptical in shape, dark green, and glossy on the surface.
The flowers are solitary, fragrant, and have a fleshy perianth. They are pale yellow with a purple edge. These flowers bloom without fully opening; once they reach full bloom, they fall off quickly. The flowering season usually occurs between March and May.
Propagation methods include cuttings, grafting, seed sowing, layering, and ramet division. Cuttings are taken in late June when the shoots are semi-woody. Grafting is commonly done using *Magnolia liliiflora* as the rootstock in spring. Seeds are sown in mid to late September, either directly in the ground or in sand, and germinate the following spring. For layering, the best time is in May, and roots begin to form in mid-July. By mid-September, the rooted plants can be transplanted.
Transplanting is generally carried out from mid-March to early April, with proper soil preparation and fertilization. To maintain a healthy, open structure, dense branches should be pruned every March. After flowering, new growth is pinched back. In July and August, buds form on the current year's shoots.
Pests and diseases that may affect the plant include sooty mold, tent caterpillars, and moths.
The "smiling flower" is unique in its blooming behavior—flowers open and then fall immediately, creating a striking visual effect. Ancient poets often praised this delicate and fleeting beauty, such as the famous line: “If you don’t taste each petal, you’ll miss its charm.†With its attractive foliage and continuous greenery throughout the seasons, *Michelia figo* is ideal for planting in parks, hospitals, schools, and along lawns or under open forests, adding layers to mixed plantings.
It’s often planted in pairs near entrances or scattered in front of windows, where its aromatic and elegant blooms create a pleasant atmosphere. Popular cultivars include *M. wilsonii*, *M. yunnanensis*, and *M. shinneriana*.
Orthopedic External Fixator
Orthopedic external fixation system
The screw orthopedic is inserted into the bone near the fracture, and the fracture is fixed with an external fixator assembled by a chuck and a nail rod.
Indications
open fracture, nonunion, closed fracture with extensive soft tissue injury, fracture with multiple trauma, osteotomy and correction.
The use of orthopaedic external fixators is currently a superior fracture fixation technique, filling the gap between cast and internal fixation. At the same time, orthopedic external fixator has the characteristics of simple fixation method, stable, reliable and effective, and does not limit the joint movement, can be early ambulation advantages. It can reduce the time for the operator and is more friendly to the user. The external fixator was used together with the bone traction needle. In terms of the classification of orthopedic external fixators, it is mainly divided into four types: orthofix type external fixation, ilizarov type external fixation, ao synthes type external fixation,combined external fixator and common external fixators.
The external fixators in orthopaedics was used for reduction (shortening and overlapping displacement were corrected first, then lateral and angular displacement were corrected, and finally rotational and separation displacement were corrected; If closed reduction is difficult, open reduction can be considered, but the separation of soft tissue and peeling of periosteum should be minimized.
The selection of the insertion site.According to the anatomical characteristics of the soft tissue at the insertion plane, the important nerves, vessels and tendons should be avoided; The ideal entry point is the part of the bone close to the subcutaneous, in a word, generally choose the skin and bone between the muscle soft tissue is the weakest point into the needle. The installation shall facilitate observation and control of soft tissue damage, and permit any surgery that may be required, such as repair and reconstruction, dressing change, skin grafting, or bone grafting." According to the location of the bone, different diameters of the threaded needle were selected. Removal was performed after completion of late treatment.
Orthopedic External Fixator,Orthopedic Fixator,External Fixation,External Fixator
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