A rare Chinese tree that put down roots in Ireland more than 90 years ago has flowered for the first time. The Goat Horn Tree was brought home from Sichuan in western China by plant collector Ernest H. Wilson in 1908.

A sapling from the original seeds was planted in the gardens of Rowallane country estate in Saintfield on the outskirts of Belfast in 1919.

For the next nine decades it grew in a shaded glade of what is now a National Trust property without ever producing its famed white flower.

So it was quite a surprise for head gardener Averil Milligan earlier this summer when she noticed the first signs of bud growth on the branches.

And in recent days the long wait finally ended when the scented flowers began to bloom.

Ms Milligan said: "We noticed in June that this tree was making flower bud growth, which has slowly developed over the past week or so.

"We were intrigued to see what they were going to look like when they eventually opened and have been keeping a careful eye on it.

"Last weekend saw the first buds opening into a pale white flower which also has a scent, so we think it's time to celebrate with our garden visitors and supporters.

"It has a lovely light scent and the tree has hundreds still waiting.

"After flowering, it produces long, curved spindle-shaped fruits which resemble a goat's horn, after which the tree is named."

There are only two specimens from the Wilson original plant known to be still growing in Ireland.

The other one at Birr Castle in Co. Offaly took rather less time to feel comfortable in foreign soil and has produced flowers on a number of occasions down the years.