Extinct flower rediscovered

Extinct flower rediscovered

» 4th May 2010 «

Gardeners may be excited to learn that a flower thought to have died out half a century ago has been spotted growing in an English garden.

The Rhododendron beanianum was discovered by Minterne House head gardener Ray Abraham in the country home's grounds.

According to the Daily Mail, the 100-year-old plant is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country.

It is thought to have been planted in the grounds of Minterne House in 1910, where it grew happily for 60 years before being forgotten about.

The species can no longer be brought to the UK thanks to the Chinese government's export ban on all native flora, making the find extra special for Mr Abraham.

"I was just doing some general tidying up and looking out for what was coming out in flower when I saw it. The Lord was with me and he said he had no idea what it was or what its name was," he told the newspaper.

In other news, the Times has claimed that gardening is a great form of therapy.

Posted by Gary Carter