Yagisawa no Ohatsuki Icho, Natural monument ginkgo tree in Minobu, Japan
Yagisawa no Ohatsuki Icho is a ginkgo tree in Minobu that has been designated a natural monument by the prefecture due to its botanical significance. The tree displays traits that are uncommon in specimens of its kind, drawing the attention of researchers and nature enthusiasts who visit regularly.
The tree came to be recognized as a natural monument because of unusual biological characteristics that distinguish it from typical ginkgo trees. These distinctive features brought it to the attention of scientists and led to its official protection status.
Local residents and botanical researchers regularly visit this ginkgo tree to study its unusual reproductive patterns and document its growth throughout different seasons.
Visitors can find this tree in the Minamikoma area of Minobu, where it is publicly accessible year-round. The best time to visit may depend on what aspect of the tree you wish to observe, so checking local conditions beforehand is helpful.
This ginkgo displays a rare biological oddity: although it is male, one branch produces seeds, something normally only female trees do. This unexpected trait makes it a valuable study subject for botanists seeking to understand the reproduction of the species.
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