ABC Wednesday's letter is G and for me no leaf is prettier than the ruffled, fan shape leaves on a Ginkgo Biloba tree, also known as Maidenhair Tree. The leaves are thick and have a faint waxy feel. Ginkgo biloba in Chinese is yín xìng 銀杏 but gets it name from the Japanese word ginkyo--yínguǒ 銀果, meaning silver apricot which is eaten in Japan. These photos are from a tree in my neighborhood. Their leaves seem to unfurl later in spring and are some of the last to fall in autumn--maybe due to living in Zone 5. I remember the tall slender trees lining streets near the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House in Chicago.
The Ginkgo is a living fossil, with fossils recognisably related to modern
Ginkgo from the Permian (last of Paleozoic Era) dating back
270 million years.
Visit ABC Wednesday Round 4 for more great 'g' words. You might want to join in the fun. Our host, Mrs Nesbitt asks if we say good morning, afternoon or evening when posting for ABC Wednesday--and since I'm always behind schedule it is definitely good afternoon from Minnesota!
14 comments:
The Ginkgo Biloba has long been one of my most favourite of trees.
Beautiful! I've never seen one in real life.
Geology also...
I am afraid the only thing May Moo generated was methane.
Beautiful photos - beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a Ginkgo Biloba in real life.
Ginko Biloba trees line many of Berkeley streets. I love them especially in the fall when their leaves are golden. I admire you photography of the sprouting leaves.
I like to think of Ginkos as living fossils.
xxx
A very interesting post !
Your choice is very oriGinal, and your photo ...gorgeous !
I'have heard of ginkgos in japanese poems ...
It is a lovely tree and it does have lovely leaves. I think I should start taking gingko biloba - my memory is not what it once was.
Kat
Fascinating information. I have long admired the Ginko, but did not know of its lengthy history. Thanks. Lovely photos; a Great "G" post.
Thanks for your visit to my ABC and your kind comments.
It's really beautiful and a beautiful shot. Certaininly perfect for todays "G". Thanks as well for the interesting information.
Beautiful photo of the little sprout of leaves! I love Gingko Biloba trees. There are several here and the leaves really are very pretty.
On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thanks for taking part - great, informative post! :)
A living fossil is something I haven't heard of. This is very interesting! Great post and very interesting.
I remember studying the Ginkgo in college botany. There was one planted on campus. It always felt like being part of history when I was near it. This week I went with geese. I just saw the first pair return. I invite you to come see. - Margy
Here (in Holland) they also call it Duckfoot tree. But it is quite an unusual tree to find here. It's one of my favourites too. Thát one and the Liriodendron tulipifera that prominently takes place in our garden. It unfolds it's leaves so beautifully and the flowers are exceptional.
I loved this post. Thanks.
What a beautifully shaped leaf. A great take on the letter G for ABC Wednesday. I enjoyed your post :)
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