Living fossils
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, dating back over 300 million years. Individual trees can live for over 1,000 years. Ginkgo Biliboa is the best selling herbal product in the world. It is an extract from the green leaves of the Ginkgo tree which is native to Asia, however, is grown worldwide.
Unusual fan-shaped leaves are bright green all spring and summer. In fall they suddenly turn glorious gold and later carpet the ground with beauty. The "drop" takes place all at once, making leaf gathering almost a one time chore.
In China , Japan and Korea there are graceful specimens nearly 1000 years old! A link to the past. They are sacred and revered in monastery gardens and holy shrines in the Far East.
English AKA: Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo, Kew tree, Fossil tree, Temple tree
Hiroshima:A-bombed Ginkgo
At the end of World War II on August 6th 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima by the Americans. The plants and trees in the area around the epicentre were examined in September 1945.
The Ginkgo situated near a temple about 1.1 km away from the blast center appeared to bud after the blast without any major deformations (the temple itself was destroyed). The temple-site in Housenbou was smaller after the war and they considered transplanting or cutting down the Ginkgo to rebuild the temple. In 1994 it was decided to leave it there and adjust the temple to it, so now the main building has stairs in front divided into left-and right hand sides, protecting the Ginkgo inside this U-shape.
Engraved on it "No more Hiroshima" and people's prayers for peace.
