Japan's famous cherry blossoms have reached their flowery peak in many places earlier this year than at any time since the first records began in 812 AD, over 1,200 years ago. Japan's favourite flower, called 'sakura,' used to reach their peak bloom in April, just as the country celebrates the start of its new school and business year. The time of the peak bloom in Kyoto had been moving earlier in the year, from mid-April to the start of the month, from 1800 onwards, data shows. The trees normally bloom for about two weeks each year from first bud to all the blossoms falling off. Cherry trees are sensitive to temperature changes and the timing of their blooming can provide valuable data for climate change studies, Anbe said.

Source: The Nation March 30, 2021 16:03 UTC