Seeds saved from the rubble of Hiroshima planted by Edinburgh conservation charity

A YOUNG tree with its roots in the rubble of the Japanese city of Hiroshima after it was devastated by the world's first atomic bomb in 1945 has been planted in a botanical garden as part of a programme of events to mark its 75th anniversary.

Consul General Mr Nozumu Takaoka, Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh planting a Ginko sapling

The Ginkgo biloba tree has been planted during a ceremony at Benmore Botanic Garden near Dunoon, by Japan’s Consul General Mr Nozumu Takaoka, and Dominic Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE).

In 2015, seeds from the only surviving female Hiroshima Ginkgo tree were gifted to Edinburgh as part of the international Mayors for Peace project.

The seeds were taken into the care of the RBGE in Edinburgh, where horticulturists nurtured 13 trees that were grown-on in the Garden's Nursery.

The ceremony, which recognised the past and current links between the research institute and Japan, included the planting of a symbolic tree from the "seeds of hope"

Consul General Nozomu Takaoka said: "Planting these Gingko trees, grown from the surviving seeds from Hiroshima in 1945, gives us great hope that life is strong and can regenerate; as well as serving as a powerful reminder of the need for world peace."

Mr Fry added: "Grown on at RBGE from 'seeds of hope', originally derived from a Gingko tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima, this tree represents the much valued partnership and strong links between the four Gardens of RBGE and Japan.

"It is also a fine and beautiful symbol of resilience and survival in times of trial and uncertainty."