A cluster of cherry blossoms blooms in autumn at the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area in Binhu district, Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province, a rare sight. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]

Have you ever seen a cherry blossom bloom in autumn?

Such a phenomenon recently occurred at the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area in Binhu district, Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province.

The delicate cherry blossoms provide a unique contrast to the autumn leaves and have attracted many tourists eager for a glimpse of the rare sight.

Cherry blossoms usually bloom in mid-March, said Ding Guoqiang, head of the Yuantouzhu Horticulture and Landscape Section.

"In recent years, there have been cherry blossoms sporadically popping up in autumn in the scenic area, however there are few clusters this year." Ding said that the main reason is related to climate.

In recent days, Wuxi has seen a drop in temperature, which fools the trees into thinking it is time to bloom again. In other words, the cherry trees' "biological clock" is out of order.

Ding explained that plant flowering genes are induced and regulated by suitable light cycles and temperature. Once suitable environmental factors induce the differentiation of flower primordia, plus suitable water and nutrient conditions, counter-season flowering is likely to occur.

"During counter-season flowering, the cherry trees won't produce large flowers, and the buds that are still waiting to open are all very thin. The flowering period may only last for about three to five days." Ding said.

The cherry blossoms currently blooming are mainly concentrated at the Ten-mile Cherry Blossom Path, Cherry Blossom Valley and Changchun Bridge at the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, a local popular tourist attraction where a well-known annual international cherry blossom festival is held in the spring.

A number of cherry trees produce flowers, sharply contrasting with the bare branches in September at the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area in Binhu district, Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]