'Snow tree' at Gifu shrine attracts nature lovers

[Anchorman]

KOGANE, Gifu -- A Chinese fringetree covered with white flowers that resemble snow has proved a popular attraction at a shrine here as summer approaches.

The fringetree, which is also referred to in Japanese as "Nanjamonja," is a deciduous tree of the Oleaceae family. Its white blossoms cover fresh green leaves, resembling a Christmas tree covered with snow.

One 33-year-old visitor to the shrine, whose husband's family live in Gifu said she enjoyed the prefecture's scenery.

"With its water and mountains, the scenery in Gifu is beautiful," she said, admiring the tree.

On May 4 the shrine received two Chinese fringetree seedlings as a donation from Abiromi Shrine in the Gifu Prefecture city of Nakatsugawa. Provided the seedlings grow well, the shrine looks likely to become a popular scenic spot several years down the track. (Mainichi)