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Next to the Cornelian Cherry we can see a large Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba), one of several growing in the Park. In 2001 its height was measured at 17 metres; it is regarded as a 'Sussex Champion Tree'. The fan shaped leaves, are unmistakeable. In autumn their colour changes from bright green to golden yellow. Maidenhair Trees have male and female flowers on separate plants. This example is unusual in being female and it bears greenish plum-like fruit that rot with a nasty smell (this is why most cultivated trees are male). 150-200 million years ago trees of this type were very common but the Maidenhair Tree is the sole survivor - in effect it is a living fossil. In the wild it is now found only in eastern China, where it is rare, but it is also widely cultivated. In China it is regarded as sacred and is much planted around temples and shrines. In the west, in contrast, it is regarded as a good town tree. It is not only very beautiful but also very tough and tolerates polluted urban environments.
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This page last updated: 26/01/2005
