‘Super bloom’ covers US desert in vivid gold and purple flowers after weeks of heavy winter rains

Phenomenon usually only appears once in a decade but latest bloom is second in two years

Southern California's Anza-Borrego desert is covered in swathes of colourful wildflowers after weeks of heavy rains (REUTERS)

A “super bloom” of wildflowers that can be seen from mountaintops thousands of feet above has appeared across California‘s Anza-Borrego desert after weeks of heavy rain.

The state park to the east of San Diego is covered in swathes of the purple, yellow and orange flowers including Bigelow’s monkey flower, evening primrose and desert lilies.

The phenomenon usually occurs only once in a decade in California, but this year’s bloom is the state’s second in two years.

The 2017 super bloom was the best seen in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 20 years and drew mass crowds.

This year’s bloom followed heavy rains and warm temperatures since October that caused seeds dormant for decades under the desert floor to flower.

Jim Dice, reserve manager of the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Centre, said: ”It’s a painting of colours at the moment out there in many of the areas.”

He said that six times the amount of rain fell in the desert over the winter compared to last year.

It is believed that if caterpillars and freezing temperatures stay away, the wave of wildflowers could intensify and spread into other areas for months to come.

A research associate at the Desert Research centre hiked up to the top of Coyote Mountain where he took a photo of the flowers that could still be seen 3,000 feet below.

Visitors to the desert have been taking advantage of the natural phenomenon to take floral-themed selfies.

Bright orange poppies are also covering the sides of Southern California motorways.

Betsy Knaak, the executive director of the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, which tracks the blooms said: “There’s just an abundance in where it’s blooming and it’s coming in waves.”

Stephen Rawding drove out from Carlsbad, north of San Diego, to take photos in the desert after a friend told him it was better than the super bloom in 2017.

“It’s unreal,” he said. “It’s just like they said – so beautiful.”

Additional reporting by AP