Magnolia trees are believed to have originated in East Asia, specifically in China and the Himalayas. Fossil evidence suggests that magnolias have been around for at least 100 million years and were present during the age of the dinosaurs.

The first magnolias were shrubs, but over time they evolved into trees. Magnolias were introduced to the Western world by botanists and explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The first magnolia to be described by a Western botanist was Magnolia virginiana, which was discovered in Virginia in 1688.

Today, magnolia trees are grown all over the world for their beautiful flowers and ornamental value. There are over 200 species of magnolia, with the most common types being the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and the Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana).

In the art world there are many art works that depict magnolia flowers. Here are a few examples:

1. "Magnolia Blossom" by Martin Johnson Heade: This is a beautiful oil painting of a magnolia blossom in full bloom. It was painted in the late 19th century and is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

2. "Magnolias on Gold Velvet Cloth" by Henri Fantin-Latour: This is a still-life painting of magnolia flowers arranged on a golden cloth. It was painted in the late 19th century and is currently housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

3. "Magnolia Blossom" by Georgia O'Keeffe: This is a close-up painting of a magnolia blossom that was painted in the mid-20th century. It is currently housed in the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

4. "Magnolias and Irises" by Vincent van Gogh: This is a vibrant painting of magnolia and iris flowers that was painted in the late 19th century. It is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.