The Story of Ginkgo Biloba Tree

The story of the Ginkgo Biloba tree in the garden of Heidelberg Castle is a tale of love, poetry, and longing. Inspired by this majestic tree, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote a famous poem that symbolized his deep affection for Marianne von Willemer. The tree, with its unique leaves that seem to be both one and two at the same time, became a symbol of their love.

Every day, Goethe would eat a leaf from the ginkgo biloba tree to keep his memory strong and perhaps even scribbled his most meaningful poem on one of those leaves. The story goes that he sent this leaf to Marianne as a token of his undying love for her.

The poem itself reflects on the duality and unity found in nature and in human relationships. It's a beautiful reminder that even when we feel divided or separated from our loved ones, there is still an underlying connection that binds us together.

So next time you see a ginkgo biloba tree, remember the romantic tale it inspired in one of Germany's most famous poets. And maybe take a moment to appreciate the deep connections we all share with our loved ones.
In my garden's care and favour
From the East this tree's leaf shows
Secret sense for us to savour
And uplifts the one who knows.

Is it but one being single
Which as same itself divides?
Are there two which choose to mingle
So that each as one now hides?

As the answer to such question
I have found a sense that's true:
Is it not my songs' suggestion
That I'm one and also two?


Dieses Baums Blatt, der von Osten
Meinem Garten anvertraut,
Giebt geheimen Sinn zu kosten,
Wie's den Wissenden erbaut,

Ist es Ein lebendig Wesen,
Das sich in sich selbst getrennt?
Sind es zwei, die sich erlesen,
Daß man sie als Eines kennt?

Solche Frage zu erwidern,
Fand ich wohl den rechten Sinn,
Fühlst du nicht an meinen Liedern,
Daß ich eins und Doppelt bin?

GOETHE