This rare tree in the National Botanic Garden of Wales has flowered for the first time in a quarter of a century.
And what's more: it's a dragon tree.
The tree, native to the Canary Islands, is known as the Dragon Tree because apothecaries of old took a fancy to the bloodlike hue of its red resin, and caimed that the plant bled Dragon's blood.
As well as such fanciful and romantic notions, the Dragon Tree's ruddy resin has also been celebrated down the ges for its practical applications -- the resin can be used to dye wood, and has even been employed in the creation of the world-famous Stradivarius violins.
The one currently in bloom at the Botanic Gardens doesn't normally flower in the cold Welsh weather, but the recent heatwave seems to have inspired some life in the draconian ol' tree.
Horticulturist Marilla Burgess said: "It's very exciting.
"It wouldn't normally flower in our climate as it is a good bit cooler than the Canaries but the recent hot spell appears to have triggered this rather historic, middle-aged flowering."
The bloom itself may be as much as 4ft across when it reaches full bloom.
Image credit: BBC.
