Tainan: Several cherry blossom trees at the Tainan Shan-Shang Garden and Old Waterworks Museum have unexpectedly bloomed out of season, a phenomenon likely caused by climate change according to plant experts, the museum said Sunday.

According to Focus Taiwan, museum staff reported that they had noticed several Cerasus lannesiana ‘Kawazu-zakura’ cherry blossom trees in the park blooming in September, despite their regular season running from late January to March each year. As the flower is a staple attraction at the museum, regular visitors have welcomed the surprise, the museum said. However, a number of visitors were also shocked by the irregular phenomenon, it noted.

The museum stated that it did not induce blooming and that the out-of-season blossoming is evidence that the climate has disrupted the natural cycle of the plants. Expert horticulturists working with the museum have warned that out-of-season blooming could negatively affect pollination and future growth, the museum said.

It added that the museum will continue to monitor the condition of the cherry blossoms and share updates on social media. The museum also urged the public to help reduce carbon emissions so plants can better regulate their flowering seasons naturally.