CCXXIII. CONIFBE^. 



747 



Phyllodadus. 

 Foliaceous flowering brancli. 



Phyllocladus. 

 Tonng fruit. 



Gingko. (Salisburya adiantifolia.) 

 Seed germinating. 



Gingko. 

 Fruit cut. 



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

 the flesby 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 (Salishurya 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. 



