Rare tree set to bloom at Va. zoo
Friday - 9/21/2012, 1:41pm ET
NORFOLK, Va. - A rare tree is expected to bloom in Norfolk this weekend.
The Virginian-Pilot reports ( http://bit.ly/Qq0snp) that tree referred to as the Elephant Creeper or Woolly Morning Glory is set to pop out at The Virginia Zoo.
The tree is a high-climbing, woody, twining vine that blooms once a year with bell-shaped, pink blossoms with light-purple throats. It has heart-shaped leaves that are more than a foot long.
The tree has been known to grow up to 45 feet high. The one at the zoo in the fountain plaza is more than 30 feet tall.
It's native to India, where its roots have been used for medicinal purposes.
The zoo says seeing the tree is a rare sight in Hampton Roads and that it's even rarer to see it in bloom.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com
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