How can a tree that predates the age of dinosaurs and survived the Hiroshima bomb inspire our businesses?

On August 6, 1945, at 8:16 a.m., the American bomber "Enola Gay" dropped "Litle Boy" on Hiroshima. In a fraction of a second, the atomic bomb wiped out an area of over 12 km2.

210,000 dead. All vegetation was destroyed.

Yet, amidst the destruction and desolation, 6 Ginkgo Biloba trees, located 1 km from the epicenter, near a destroyed temple, survived the blast and the radiation.?They sprouted new buds the following spring! As you can see, the temple was rebuilt with the staircase surrounding one of the six surviving Ginkgo trees, now 200 years old.

But who is this extraordinary survivor who became a symbol of hope and peace? How can we explain the remarkable resilience of this tree with its fan-shaped leaves?

Ginkgo Biloba, often referred to as the oldest tree in the world, has an awe-inspiring history. This Hiroshima survivor appeared on Earth 270 million years ago, when the Earth was a single continent called Pangea, surrounded by a single ocean. That's 40 million years before the arrival of the dinosaurs!

Scientists have delved into the secrets of this extraordinary resilience.

They carried out a genetic analysis of the cambium, a whitish layer of tissue beneath the bark that enables new bark and new wood to be produced. One striking revelation was the absence of cell aging processes in the cambium genes. It's as though these trees possess an eternal immune system, never succumbing to the ravages of time.

And surprisingly, their immune system improves even their efficiency while they are getting older!

Scientists have discovered that, as they age, Ginkgo biloba trees produce more and more protective hormones and antioxidants (its leaves are used to treat brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease). It's as if, as they age, these trees develop a capacity to adapt to their environment, reinforcing their protection against environmental stress and disease.

Another interesting fact the scientists found, was that older Ginkgo trees stopped growing, and their flowering time decreased. They uncovered a decreasing expression of genes associated with growth.

It's as if the Ginkgo, through the modulation of its genes over time, had de facto applied the principle of "limited growth" to promote adaptation to its environment and long-term resilience

Thanks to its survival in Hiroshima, this tree has become a symbol of peace worldwide. According to me, it's also a symbol of wisdom: present since the Jurassic period, it's a safe bet that it will still be around in 250 million years. Whether the human species will still be around is anyone's guess. It may still be surrounded by those developing for millennia, such as algae and fungi.

The Ginkgo Biloba's remarkable journey offers valuable lessons for businesses seeking to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world.

Just as the Ginkgo adapts and prioritizes resilience over growth, companies can draw inspiration from this ancient tree. In a world where businesses often chase rapid growth and expansion, the Ginkgo's story reminds us of the importance of knowing when to pause and focus on long-term resilience. The ability to adapt continuously to evolving environments is a critical component of sustained success.

The Ginkgo Biloba, with its enduring presence since the Jurassic period, serves as a symbol of wisdom and resilience. As we reflect on its remarkable journey from Hiroshima to the present day, it becomes clear that the lessons it imparts extend beyond the natural world. Ginkgo inspires us to prioritize resilience, adaptability, and sustainable growth in our businesses.

Let us thank Ginkgo Biloba for its inspiring embodiment of life and its enduring lessons in the face of adversity!

In autumn, the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba turn a dazzling yellow!