On the occasion of his 65^th birthday, Professor Thomas Bürger was presented with a sponsored tree from his colleagues at the SLUB (Saxon State and University Library). At the same time, it was presented in recognition of his achievements.

This deciduous tree grows to a height of between five and eight meters. It only begins to appear tree-like with age. The Japanese cherry flowers very early in the year. The white blossoms open as early as March/April, unfolding their splendor.  During the cherry blossom festival in its East Asian homeland, it transforms streets, squares and gardens into a sea of white blossoms.

For the Japanese, the cherry blossom (jap. sakura) has been the quintessence of blossoms for centuries. The delicacy and simple fragrance of the blossoms symbolize purity and simplicity – traditional values of Japanese culture.

In the fall, the leaves of the Japanese cherry turn a vibrant yellow/orange to red. Only in very favorable locations, it develops small, pea-sized black fruits. Although a non-native, wild form, the tree is an important food source and habitat for bees, butterflies and caterpillars.