What Does the Ginkgo Leaf Represent?
The fan-shaped leaf of the Ginkgo biloba is unique among trees. It is proof that the ginkgo is more closely related to fossil trees than to any other living tree today.
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Fossil Tree
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The ginkgo is sometimes called a "living fossil," because remains have been found dating to the Permian era 270 million years ago. By comparing modern-day ginkgo leaves to their long-ago relatives, scientists at the Smithsonian Institute are learning about climate change then and now.
National Tree of China
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The gingko tree was planted and preserved by Chinese Buddhist monks, who introduced it to Japan around the 9th century. Today it is the national tree of China.
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Strength and Longevity
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Historically, the long-lived ginkgo represented strength and longevity to the Japanese. This symbolism became even more poignant after four ginkgo trees survived the 1945 atomic blast of Hiroshima. Today the trees remain as reminders of hope and peace.
Art Motif
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Long a popular symbol in Japanese art, the ginkgo leaf was adopted by the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements, and served as a frequent motif in the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Source of Medicine
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Gingko leaves have for centuries been used in folk medicine to treat circulatory problems and as a memory aid. Modern research has shown that ginkgo biloba extract is particularly useful in treating decreased blood flow to the brain in the elderly, according the the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kazuhiko Teramoto
