what is the name of the tree

[Philipp Chapkovski]

I have seen this tree in a garden in Toscana, Italy, but do not know its name. Here is the photo of the cone - which is rather unusual. Does somebody know the name of the tree? Thanks in advance!

[David E. Ross]

Here is the photo of the cone - which is rather unusual. Does somebody know the name of the tree?

It is not a cone. It is a fruit, a seed capsule.

That is likely a southern magnolia (M. grandiflora), sometimes called a "bull bay". A few other magnolias have similar fruits, but M. grandiflora is generally the most commonly planted magnolia tree. There are also magnolia bushes, but their fruits are often much more narrow.

[Philipp Chapkovski]

Thanks a lot!