Photo of Surfex Ginkgo leaf

This Ginkgo leaf is made with surfex (10*x^4-10*y*z^2-0.05).
More info about surfex (visualization of algebraic surfaces) on this website.

Photo on Picasa by Franzi.

Updates of my website The Ginkgo Pages

* Update of my Fossils-page: Ginkgo jiayinensis, new Tertiary species from the Wuyun Formation of Jiayin in China (+ photo).
* New topic: Lions Club International plants Ginkgo trees.

Lions Club International plants Ginkgo trees

“See the leaf, two parts united,

For so long, millions of years -
Living thing, stronger than mankind
Did survive fires and fears.”

Eberhard J. Wirfs, Lions Club International president writes :

"One of the most basic facts of nature is that it is dynamic. The visual world continually undergoes change, both from dynamic events in the world itself, such as the movement of trees in the wind, and from the visual changes generated from our own activities, such as locomotion. In other, more basic words, everything needs momentum, or movement, in order to progress, or grow. Move to grow. It’s a very basic concept, which can be applied to most everything. Nothing that remains static grows.
It is this basic concept – move to grow – that I have chosen as my theme for 2009-2010, with the Ginkgo tree and leaf as its symbol.......
So why the Ginkgo tree? The Ginkgo is a symbol of hope and love, and a monument of peace and environmental protection and even considered a vision aid. The Ginkgo tree has in fact been declared the “millennium” tree. When taking into consideration its other characteristics of esteemed heritage, longevity, adaptability, utility, sustainability, and global abundance, it’s easy to see a correlation between the Ginkgo tree and Lions Clubs International.
Compared to the origins and lifespan of the Ginkgo, Lions Clubs International is still in its infancy. As a global organization dedicated to promoting international understanding, we must symbolically plant a Ginkgo at every opportunity. The sapling has to be planted and nurtured world-wide in an appropriate manner with good soil, sunshine and water. Like a Ginkgo tree, our programs must be a sustainable resource that will stand the test of time. Always mindful of our motto, “We Serve,” we must continue to plant seeds of understanding and enduring community service, and cultivate a clear and consistent message of purpose.
This involves effort, momentum, action and NEED TO MOVE.
I have learned a great deal through Lions and from Lions. I was entrusted to take on major challenges, and I am extremely thankful for that chance. Now the time has come to give back."

"The Ginkgo Awards are designed to recognize Lions who exemplify the attributes needed to move our association forward – who have planted the necessary seeds for our future."

Read full text (pdf) here.

Ginkgo roadside fence

Roadside fence in Japan with Ginkgo leaf design.
Photo on Flickr by Kinaco.

Updates of my website The Ginkgo Pages

* New topic: Study: Leaves show looped networks may be better than branched.

Video: Ginkgo trees in winter snow, Tokyo, Japan

Winter: snow in Tokyo falling on the many Ginkgo trees in the outer garden Meiji Jingu, Japan (YouTube).
Video on my blog of the same location in fall click here.

Updates of my website The Ginkgo Pages

* New photo photospecial page: Ginkgo grove at Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia.

Ginkgoes planted by community in Los Angeles

Toni Ann Johnson makes efforts to bring more green to her neighborhood in South Los Angeles, California, USA. It's been a two year struggle but she's finally achieving visible results. Partnering with Million Trees L.A., the Southwest Los Angeles Neighborhood Council and Ralph's super market, Toni Ann gathered with over 100 volunteers to plant 20 Ginkgo Biloba trees in front of Ralphs supermarket at Western and Manchester on Saturday, January 23, 2010.
Read more about this project here.
Interview (video) with Executive Director of Million Trees LA, Lisa Sarno: