Baylis’ blooms burst

University of Otago PhD student Mercede Shavanddasht photographs the university’s beloved magnolia tree in the quad, next to the clocktower building.

The first blooms of the year created a major burst of colour on what was a cold, grey day yesterday. They also indicate spring is not far away.

The tree was planted in 1965 by Dr Geoff Baylis, head of the botany department from 1945 to 1979, and is now dedicated to his memory.