A couple were astonished after their banana tree started producing fruit for the first time in 20 years.
Nida Mordaunt, 60, brought a tiny root from a banana plant back from the Philippines in her suitcase more than two decades ago.
And while it sprouted up to more than six foot tall in the garden she shares with husband Henry, 72, it failed to produce any fruit - until now.
Thanks to the mild winter and soggy summer, the exotic plant in Quedgeley, Gloucester, has fruited dozens of little bananas for the first time.
Delighted Henry and Nida, a health care assistant, hope to have ripe bananas to eat in around a month, and plan to throw a ‘banana party’ if they ripen.
Mr Mordaunt, a retired council worker and grandfather said: “It was amazing when the tree fruited for the first time, we couldn’t believe that it had done so.
“When we noticed it for the first time it was amazing and we have been watching it ever since.
“I am at a loss as to why this has happened. It might be that we are now having milder winters.
“If the fruit continues to flourish then I think in a month or so we might have ripe fruit to eat.
“Should the fruit continue to grow, then we will have to invite friends around for a banana party when they are ready to eat.”