Ginkgoes

Ginkgo biloba is the sole surviving species of the division Ginkgophyta, making it a living fossil. Native to China, it is now cultivated worldwide as a ornamental tree and for its medicinal properties. Ginkgoes are deciduous trees, meaning they shed their leaves annually. They are known for their distinctive fan-shaped leaves, which turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. These trees are remarkably resilient, often surviving in urban environments where other trees struggle.

The ginkgo tree has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Extracts from its leaves are commonly used in dietary supplements, believed to improve cognitive function and circulation. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is mixed, and further research is ongoing. The ginkgo fruit, which is actually a seed enclosed in a fleshy outer layer, has a strong, unpleasant odor when ripe and is not typically eaten by humans in its raw form, although it is used in some Asian cuisines after preparation.

Ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Female trees produce the fruit-like seeds, while male trees do not. This distinction is important for landscaping, as the odor of the ripe fruit can be a deterrent. Ginkgoes are long-lived trees, with some specimens estimated to be over a thousand years old. Their unique evolutionary history and distinctive appearance make them a subject of interest for botanists and enthusiasts alike.