Monday, November 19, 2018

A Living Fossil

The Ginko Biloba trees here have turned yellow, and are losing their leaves. They are one of my favorite things about the fall. They are one of the world's oldest living trees, and have been around since the Jurassic period. There is one in China that is 3,500 years old! They are found in fossils dating back 270 million years! They are the only surviving plant of their family.





Some Ginko trees were the only survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bomb in Japan in 1945. They are still alive and flourishing! You can spot a Ginko because it's leaves look like little fans.





 “Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”
 ~J. Robert Moskin


13 comments:

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Oh my goodness those are absolutely beautiful! They look neon they are so bright! I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Hootin Anni said...

I've seen them only in pictures. PRETTY!

Ann said...

I've heard of Ginko Biloba but I did not know it was a tree. They are really pretty. I love the fan shaped leaves

Nancy Chan said...

They are beautiful! Looks like glowing yellow!

George said...

Beautiful trees and beautiful photos. Thanks for the information.

MadSnapper said...

absolutely stunning, the color of joy and I love the green part as much as the yellow... did not know this about these trees. learn something new each day

Linda said...

You do such amazing posts with matching header and background! I enjoy my every visit with you! Always something fresh and new and always pretty!

Tamago said...

I love Ginko Biloba trees and their yellow leaves. Your photos are so gorgeous. They look amazing! I saw them a lot in my hometown and always love seeing yellow carpet on the ground.
P.S. Thank you for your comment. Yes, Goro has cat beds, too! They have a lot but only a few are used :-)

The Feminine Energy said...

Oh how beautiful! Breathtakingly beautiful!! I just may have to look for a ginko tree to plant in the spring!! Thank you for explaining some of the history behind this gorgeous tree too. Love, Andrea xoxo

Chatty Crone said...

Our Ginko Biloba trees lost there leaves awhile ago here Ginny. I love them too. Are they from Japan - I didn't know they were the only survivors - I am glad they were.

Bobbie said...

Well I have heard of this tree before but can't remember seeing one. So now I have learned something new. Hopefully I will retain it... haha.

Inger said...

How fun that you actually met Bobbi and Gracie. I know how kind and sweet Bobbi is. After my husband died, she sent a beautiful wood piece of two carved hearts. And wrote something lovely on the back of it, from her and Gracie. Beautiful fall colors and interesting info on the tree. I didn't know how ancient they are, but now I do. Thanks.

Ruth Hiebert said...

If I had heard before that they could live that long, then I had forgotten.That is amazing.They turn a beautiful color as well.

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