Rare tree blooms at Eden Project in UK first

And it sounds delicious!

A botanical wonder at the Eden Project could be a UK first, as a rare 'Baobab' fruit plant has bloomed.

The large white flower, which opens at night and is pollinated by bats, may produce the superfruit - a blend of melon and pineapple.

Baobab flowers typically blossom for only a short period, making this an especially rare and exciting moment for the Cornish attraction. 

Experts are now carefully hand-pollinating the flower to ensure it thrives and matures into fruit over the next four to six months.

Adansonia digitata, also known as the "tree of life," is native to parts of Africa. Though only 27 years old, these resilient trees can live for an astonishing 2,500 years.

It has been a part of the Eden Project's Rainforest Biome since the attraction first opened 25 years ago, thriving in the perfectly simulated warm, dry conditions.

The superfruit it may produce is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting more calcium than milk, three times the vitamin C of oranges, and 100 times more antioxidants.

Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project, said: "It's incredible to see our African baobab flowering, especially here in the UK. We're fairly confident this has never happened before. We have five stunning baobabs in our Rainforest Biome. To witness it bloom as we approach our 25th birthday next year is something truly special to behold."

He added, "These only flower for a short period, so I'd encourage anyone in the area to come and see this botanical wonder for yourselves as there's never been a better time to visit the Eden Project and experience this extraordinary botanical moment."