The Ginkgo is also known as the ‘Fossil Tree’ as the tree has remained unchanged since prehistoric times and is the sole survivor of an ancient group of trees from 170 million years ago that has outlived the dinosaurs. Traditionally the trees were planted in temple gardens in Japan and China, but today they are often found in towns worldwide. Though endangered in the wild because of deforestation, the maidenhair tree is cultivated throughout the world and prized for the medicinal properties of its leaves. These are unusually deeply fissured.
All the trees (and their positioning) on this tree trail have been discussed with arboreal specialists
Town Map
