The Fairy Empress Tree

I have just found the first flower from the Empress Tree on the ground next to our garage. This tree must be around 25 feet high, but it is only 9 years old! All the vegetation grows quickly here, but this tree is scarily huge. It is not a native to NZ. In fact it is considered rather a pest tree internationally. The way it spread so quickly is because the Chinese used to pack their export porcelain in tea chests filled with the seeds of this tree to keep the porcelain safe. Talk about bio disaster.

Anyhow, I love it because of the flowers and the scent. Here is the fairy blossom that looks for all the world like a nymph wearing her outdoor hat and cloak.