Rare London conservatory flower in bloom

A London conservatory is currently host to one of the rarest camellias in the world - and the plant has just burst into bloom.

The Middlemist's red recently began to flower in its famous deep pink colour, which will last around a month.

It is currently housed at the 19th century conservatory in the capital's Chiswick House and is believed to be one of just two examples in the world.

The conservatory has been home to the plant since the early 19th century when it was brought to the UK by horticulturalist John Middlemist.

Originally located at Kew Gardens, it was moved to Chiswick in 1820 and went on to survive World War II bombings, remaining undamaged until this day.

The only other example known to horticulturalists is currently in Waitangi, New Zealand, meaning Brits can be among the lucky few to see the rare plant in bloom without having to travel to a foreign land.

Meanwhile, NewsShopper.co.uk has revealed that the children of an ME sufferer have asked readers to donate cash to help them finance a conservatory, where their mother can sleep at night.

Posted by Cheryl Stevenson