Ginkgo Tree, former South Devon College, School of Art

Image: © Tom Jolliffe Taken: Unknown

This ginkgo tree used to grow outside the School of Art building on the old College site. Ginkgos are unique trees. One survived near the epicentre of the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima and still exists today. The College site was built partly in the grounds of an old Arboretum. It is not known if this tree was part of the Arboretum, or if it still survives now that the College buildings have been demolished. In the Autumn each year, the tree gave a display of beautiful yellow leaves before they were shed. The leaves are also used as a herbal remedy and are reputed to stimulate the function of the human brain.

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