A millennium-old peony in Wangling Park in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, has surprised residents by blooming.

The old tree's flowers are said to have a delicate fragrance, and the blooms are expected to last for a month.

The three-meter-tall plant is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.

The park's gardener, Yang Xikun, said it is also the tallest peony tree in the country.

(China.org.cn, Xiaoxiang Morning Post, April 2, 2008)