Fun Fact: The Ginkgo Biloba is also known as the Maiden Hair Tree.
Commonly known as ginkgo or gingko but also known as the maidenhair tree. This tree species is native to China. It is the only living species in the order Ginkgoales, which first appeared over 290 million years ago. Because fossilized remains dating back to the Permian period morphologically appear resemble our modern-day Gingko tree, it is considered a “living fossil,” a term used to refer to species that have changed little since their discovery in the fossil record. The Ginkgo tree was cultivated for centuries in China, especially around Buddhist temples and monasteries. The tree was first introduced to the United States in 1784. Today it is a popular tree used in city landscaping because of its tolerance to pollution. The leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. The Ginkgo tree moderate sized and its leaves have a unique fan-like shape with dichotomously branching leaves, that may be notched. The tree has separate male and female trees and is dioecious. Female trees can sometimes be discriminated against in landscaping selection due to the female’s production of a fleshy strawberry-shaped coat, which surrounds their seeds. This coat when rotting or stepped upon has a distinctive smell described by some as rancid butter or dog feces. Despite this the seed, or gingko nut is considered a delicacy in China and served at weddings because it is thought to bring food luck. Today, extracts of the leaves are used as commercially available herbal supplements to improve short term memory and enhance concentration.
Coming Soon!!! Check back for updates!
Coming Soon!!! Check back for updates!