CCXXIII. CONIFERS. 



747 



Yew. 



Young 



9 flower 



with gaping 



micropyle. 



Yew. Yonng fruits 

 in different stages of growth. 



Gingko. 

 Fruit, whole. 



Phyllocladus. 

 Foliaceous flowering branch. 



Phyllocladus, 

 Young fruit. 



Gingko. (Salisburya adiantifolia.) 

 Seed germinating. 



hard and capable of receiving a high polish, was much valued in cabinet-work [and for making bows] ; 

 the fleshy cup of its fruit contains a mild mucilaginous juice, and may be eaten harmlessly; but its seeds, 

 and especially its leaves, are said to be very poisonous [its wood-fibres are remarkable in presenting a 

 spiral line]. The Gingko {Salisburya adiantifolia) is considered sacred in China and Japan, and is planted 

 around temples. Its seed, with a fleshy and oily testa, exhales when ripe a strong smell of rancid butter ; 

 its kernel tastes like a filbert, though slightly harsh; in Japan it is considered a digestive, and always 

 served at banquets. 



