Beijing, Sep 24 (IANS): An exhibition showcasing centuries-old Chinese plants kicked off on Thursday in the Summer Palace in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
A total of 72 osmanthus plants and over 230 potted large osmanthus trees and shrubs were on display, Xinhua news agency reported.
The oldest osmanthus plants on display date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and were once grown in several of China's royal palaces.
The plant has traditionally been cultivated in Chinese gardens, and its fragrant flowers smell similar to peaches and apricots.
The flowers normally blossom in autumn and they are often combined with tea leaves to create a scented tea.
The exhibition will last until October 11.