A HUGE magnolia tree, believed to be the tallest in Britain, has come into full bloom.
The spectacular tree, which stands in the back garden of a home in Elgin Road, Lilliput, was planted around 100 years ago by the former owner of the house.
The magnolia is protected by a tree preservation order. Magnolia trees are a Himalayan plant first discovered by British naturalist William Griffith in the early 19th century.
In Britain their distinctive bucket-shaped flowers open up in late winter and early spring before giving way to evergreen leaves.
The Poole specimen dwarfs a 30ft tall magnolia in Falmouth, Cornwall, which has previously been described as the tallest in Britain.
High winds and rain during Storm Freya on Sunday failed to strip it of its pink blossoms.
But the tree will stand a further test in the coming weeks, with some heavy rain predicted.
Forecasters believe today, Thursday, will be bright during the afternoon, with highs of 10C.
However, it's likely to be miserable tomorrow, Friday, with rain forecast for much of the day.
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