I was driving around the Oxford-Anniston area during the past weekend and passed several gorgeous Ginko trees. They seemed to give a “Last Hurrah” to the fall leaf color. Most other trees have already lost their leaves and stand bare reminding us that winter will be here soon.

I find the Ginko leaves to be unique in the fan shape they display looking delicate and elegant. Did you know that Ginko trees are living fossils dating back 270 million years? Scientists say the Ginko has evolved slowly and has changed little since prehistoric times.

The trees are native to China and today they boast the title “National Tree of China.” The Japanese revere Ginkos, and Tokyo calls the Ginko its symbol of the city.

I love to choose a few Ginko leaves every fall to press and save. I have two 2012 pressed leaves ready to frame and give to my two grandchildren as a reminder to persist, be determined in life, and live long like the Ginko tree. It resists insect pests, drought, extreme cold, and some even lived through the atomic blasts in Japan in WWII.

The trees in the photos exhibit tall growth. This Ginko almost dwarfs the small homes on this quiet street in Anniston. The other Ginko photo is like several I saw in Oxford and Anniston exhibiting bright pure yellow-gold leaves. The Ginko is one of the last trees to let its leaves fall. I hope you’ll take note next time you see a Ginko tree and appreciate it for its long life of survival. Botanists tell us that some trees in China today, especially those planted near religious temples, date from 1000 to 2500 years old.

The Ginko is an interesting tree with a long history and about the only tree whose fossil remains have been found dating back multi-millions of years. Its closest kin is the Maidenhair fern.

Some people complain that after a number of years the Ginko starts to produce a sticky substance with a rotten-egg smell. But I respect the Ginko for its ability to live so long, and I just love those fan-shaped leaves. So “Long Live the Ginko” is my mantra.

(Information is from Wikipedia and several other sites listed by Google)

Alice G. Duckett is the author of two children’s books and speaker for both adult and children’s events. Alice has a new project coming out in mid-December. She has recorded a CD of original stories called “Slices of Life” (with original music by producer Thomas Van Dyke on the New Approach Publishing label). For more info contact her at 256-237-7123 or aliceduckett@cableone.net.