The species was named after the municipality of Betulia, Santander within which the type locality of this species is entirely contained.

Magnolia betuliensis exists in a single population, is geographically isolated, and the only known population consists of less than 30 mature individuals with no evidence that younger individuals exist. The species is threatened by expansion of agricultural land, therefore M. betulinesis is assessed as Critically Endangered.

Magnolia betuliensis is restricted to the western slope of the Eastern Cordillera Oriental, north of the Serranía de los Yariguíes, in the municipality of Betulia, Santander, Colombia. It is found in the buffer zone of the PNN Serranía de Los Yariguíes.

This species is considered locally endemic to Cuchilla El Ramo because it is known only from a single population with an isolated, extremely restricted geographical distribution. The population density is low and all known individuals are adults (less than 30) with no evidence of the natural pattern of regeneration taking place. It is speculated that M. betuliensis could be found in the protective reserve of the Betulia municipal aqueduct because it continues on this same narrow forest strip where the typical locality is found.

Magnolia betuliensis is a tree species of 13–26 m tall, 20–30 cm in diameter. This species grows from 2,000–2,200 of elevation above sea level on what can be described as a narrow strip of very humid high Andean forests in the buffer zone of the Parques Nacionales Naturales Serranía de Los Yariguíes protected area. These forests are restricted to the upper parts of Cuchilla el Ramo and are isolated from the rest of the mountain range, by extensive areas dedicated to agricultural work. Additionally, it is locally associated with species such as Quercus humboldtii, Alfaroa colombiana, Aniba sp., Licania sp. and Podocarpus sp. Flowers are usually observed in July, August, and September while ripe fruits are observed in early September.

The primary species specific threat is to the geographic isolation of Magnolia betuliensis by an extensive matrix of agricultural land within its habitat. The scale of loss related to this particular threat has yet to be evaluated.

No trade or use information is known for this species.

This new species has not been reported in protected areas but it could be present in the protective reserve of the Betulia municipal aqueduct that continues on this same strip of forest where the typical locality is found. More surveys are required. It is in the best interest of Magnolia betuliensis that conservation efforts focus on improving the species’ prognosis and generating population growth among the youngest individuals of the population.