Picture this: peonies that flirted with zero gravity for nearly seven days in 2002, courtesy of China’s Shenzhou-3 spacecraft. Now, two decades later, these cosmic flowers are putting on a show in Heze City – China’s peony paradise. 🌍✨
But what makes these 400 'space peonies' extraordinary? Think bigger petals, bolder colors, and a glow that’ll make your phone’s high-definition display jealous. 🌺📱
Petals reaching up to 30 centimeters – roughly the length of a school ruler
Unusually vibrant hues ranging from intergalactic purple to star-bright crimson
Six-petal patterns (regular peonies usually rock five)
CGTN reporter Li Yiqing recently explored these floral astronauts at Baihua Garden, where horticulturists call them 'nature’s ultimate glow-up.' The experiment showcases how cosmic radiation and microgravity can turbocharge plant evolution – imagine sci-fi gardening with real-world impact! 👩🌾🔬
Heze’s flower experts are already planning to hybridize these celestial blooms with Earth varieties, potentially creating next-level decorative and medicinal peonies. Who knew space travel could be the ultimate gardening hack? 🌌🌱
