| 1 | Flower terminal, anther dehiscence introrse | 2 |
| – | Flower pseudo-axillary, anther dehiscence latrorse | sect. Michelia |
| 2 | Stipular scar covering the entire petiole, fruit globose to ellipsoidal | sect. Talauma |
| – | Stipular scar covering a small area of the petiole, fruit ovoid | sect. Magnolia |