Ivy leaves: Kaizo-ji

Autumn is gradually deepening and leaves are changing their colors little by little. Trees sense the approaching of bitterly cold winter and begin to prepare for enduring this harsh season.

Because of the sharp drop in temperature, trees stop supplying water to their leaves. Due to dryness, chlorophyll in the leaves changes gradually into coloring matter, which causes the leaves to take on flaming autumnal tints before their falling.

This chemical change helps the rapid decomposition of dead leaves on the surface of the earth. The nutritious substances from the decomposed leaves fertilize the soil and are used for the rebirth and growth in next spring.