Perpignan and the photographer collective offer a Ginkgo Biloba to JF Leroy in order to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Visa pour l'image - Perpignan.

The ceremony held to deliver the Ginkgo Biloba (also known as the Maidenhair Tree) to JF LeRoy took place on the 19th December at the fig tree garden (Couvent des Minimes) in the presence of the Mayor. The tree, which is about 3 metres tall, is in a plant pot and came from the plant nursery of the city. It is an offering both from the city and from the photographer collective who supports the work of JF Leroy.

The Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the Maidenhair Tree, originated in China, but became one of the symbols of Japan after Hiroshima.

In fact, it was the first tree to grow again in the area affected by the explosion of the nuclear bomb. Since the end of World War II, Ginkgo is the symbol of peace, endurance and longevity.

Its botanic name comes from Japanese and means « silver apricot ». The reason for that is that its fan-shaped leaves dye themselves golden yellow during autumn (and that originated the name of Maiden hair, as it reminds the colour of an old lady's hair).