Rare tree to flower for sixth time in 100 years

A rare tree is to flower for only the sixth time in almost 100 years

A rare tree at a garden in West Sussex is to flower for only the sixth time in almost 100 years.

The 97-year-old Emmenopterys henryi at Borde Hill, near Haywards Heath, is preparing to bloom for the first time since 2021.

The "rare and spectacular botanical event" is a result of the early heatwaves, a spokesperson for the gardens said.

At Borde Hill, the tree previously bloomed in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2021.

The tree was planted in the gardens by Col Stephenson R Clarke in 1928

The tree was planted in the gardens by Col Stephenson R Clarke in 1928, grown from seed collected from a remote forest in southern China.

Due to its reluctance to flower in Western climates, the Emmenopterys henryi has been described by plant hunter EH Wilson as "one of the most strikingly beautiful trees of the Chinese forests".

Andrewjohn Stephenson Clarke, great-grandson of Col Stephenson R Clarke, said: "It took four generations before we first saw blooms in 2011.

"The colonel would have been fascinated by the climate changes we now experience in southern England and how they are influencing our plants."

The Emmenopterys henryi features reddish-purple young shoots and red spring foliage that matures to dark glossy green, producing clusters of fragrant, creamy-white funnel-shaped flowers, 2.5cm (0.9 inch) wide, surrounded by large white bracts, the gardens spokesperson said.

In 2023, the Emmenopterys henryi inspired Borde Hill's new logo and rebrand, reflecting its importance to the garden's botanical heritage.

The blooms are expected to fully open within the next two weeks.