Friday, November 14, 2008

Ginkgo Glory


I had to drive over to "old" Helena this morning to take Zach for his monthly doctor's appointment and this time of the year the drive doesn't bother me a bit because of the color show that the trees put on.

Of all the colorful fall foliage, the Ginkgo trees are my favorite. That's a Ginkgo tree in my header and the pictures above are trees in front of, and near, the doctor's office. I really wish I had thought to plant one of them in my yard back years ago because they're really magnificent trees.

Ginkgo Facts

The Ginkgo is the sole living link between the lower and higher plants, between ferns and conifers. It is is regarded as a living fossil.

There are male and female Ginkgo trees. The male tree usually has a slim column form and is slightly longer, the female tree has a wider crown and a more spread out form.

The extract of the dried leaves is popular for their use as a diet supplement and/or herbal medicine (prescribed in Europe) for the brain, legs, eyes, heart and ears. Scientific studies show that good extracts may improve bloodcirculation and memory, prevent bloodclotting, damage by free radicals and give an improved sense of well-being and can be used for many other disorders. The leaves are also used as tea for a variety of ailments.

The Ginkgo can have a long life span, 1,000 or older. In China the oldest Ginkgo is about 3,500 years old!


I want to remind everyone about the Photo Challenge for tomorrow. Miz Maria is our lovely hostess this time and she chose "Water" as our challenge topic. Y'all be sure to go over and sign up in the comments if you haven't already. We really love to see everyone's pictures!

I'm a little slow this week with visiting my favorite bloggers, but don't give up on me, I'll get there, I promise!

10 comments:

Sally said...

GREAT pictures, Ms. Brenda. Those trees are awesome!! I'm looking forward to seeing the "water" pictures tomorrow. One of these days, I'm gonna get my camera fixed. :)

Donna said...

Aren't they Beautiful!! What a sight! Suppose to freeze here Sat night...I think I'm missing Summer already...You're not as bad as me though...I got my water pictures done...TONIGHT!!!Hahaaa....night Sugar!hughugs

Brenda said...

I just finished scheduling a post with mine. All were taken back in warmer months though.

Donna said...

Thank you so much for those beautiful pictures! I LOVE ginko trees and wishes we had planted some too in our yard. The shape of the leaves have always intrigued me.

I've got my post all ready for tomorrow's challenge!

Anonymous said...

When I worked on another part of our campus, I had to walk past a Gingko tree every day. In the fall, it was absolutely amazing, but one day, the whole office was abuzz. I asked what was up, and was told "the gingko is going". It would hold the colorful leaves and then drop them all in one day, and what a sight it was!

Karen M said...

Oh, Brenda, those are incredible! God does such a good job with His decorating. And you do a fantastic job capturing it.

Thanks for sharing those awesome pictures.

I'm ready for WATER!!

Kellan said...

Beautiful trees and intersting Ginkgo facts - thanks!

Have a great weekend, Brenda - Kellan

Louise said...

I have a cousin who is smitten with Ginko trees. These are fabulous!

Unknown said...

These are so pretty. I don't know the names of many plants or trees but the yellow in these guys is beautiful.

Phyllis said...

Where did my comments go??
Hmmpf. Oh well, you are in my prayers.