Gingko Biloba
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Ginkgo |
| Scientific name | Ginkgo biloba |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Ginkgoopsida |
| Order | Ginkgoales |
| Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Genus | Ginkgo |
| Conservation status | Endangered |
| Type | Non-flowering tree, a ‘living fossil’ |
| Habitat | Deep, moist, well-drained fertile soil |
| Native range | China |
| Size | Leaves about 3 inches long |
| Colours | Fan-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall |
| Special feature | Only surviving species of its family; smelly fruit |
Ginkgo biloba, also called the maidenhair tree, is the only living member of its plant group. It does not have flowers; instead, like conifers, it makes its seeds out in the open. Because ginkgo trees have changed very little over millions of years, they are often called “living fossils.” Their Chinese name means “silver apricot,” after the look of the seeds. Ginkgo leaves and seeds have traditionally been used in Chinese medicine, and people in China and Japan have long planted Gingko trees around temples and shrines.
History
The ginkgo tree is native to China, where people have grown it for thousands of years. Ginkgo-like trees lived on Earth more than 200 million years ago, when dinosaurs were around, which makes ginkgo one of the oldest tree species alive today. Some ginkgo trees in China are said to be more than 3,000 years old. Ginkgo was later taken to Japan and Korea, and in the 1700s to Europe and North America.
Anatomy
The leaves of the gingko Biloba plant are easily recognized by its fan-shape. These leaves are unique. The Japanese people call it tree with duck-feet leaves. The Gingko Biloba plant has foul smelling fruits. Its leaves are leathery and are 3 inches long. In the fall, leaves turn in yellow color. It works as a shade tree once it is established. Its wood is soft, weak and light colored.
Habitat
In New York and Seoul gingko Biloba plant is found everywhere along the streets. It is a very important plant in the world. In the past, there were many varieties of gingko, but, now this is the only surviving species.
Soil
Ginkgo grows best in deep, moist, well-drained soil, but it is very adaptable and can grow in many types of soil, including city soil. A light layer of mulch helps keep the roots cool and moist. The roots need air, so avoid soil that stays waterlogged. Ginkgo also likes plenty of sunshine.
Temperature and Humidity
Ginkgo trees are very hardy and can handle both hot summers and cold winters, down to around -30 °C (-22 °F). They grow best in temperate climates with warm summers. Ginkgo does not need high humidity, but young trees should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Planting
The best time to plant a ginkgo tree is in spring or autumn. Dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread out, set the tree in place and cover the roots with soil. Ginkgo grows best in full sun, though young trees can handle a little shade. Young trees grow slowly at first, and a ginkgo can take 20 years or more to start producing seeds.
Water
The gingko Biloba plant requires water and fertilizers occasionally. The best time to prune it is in the winter season to spring season. It grows well on low nutrients. It needs watering carefully in the first growing season.
Care
The gingko Biloba plant is easy to care. Apply fertilizers if needed. If they receive a regular supply of water, then it grows rapidly. It needs fertilizers, two times in a year.
Harvest
Harvesting of the gingko biloba plant is very easy. Its leaves are harvested and the best time for it is late spring season or early summer, when the leaves are green in color and younger and vibrant. At this stage of growth, herbal companies make medicinal extracts from these leaves of the plant.
Pests and Disease
The root infection of gingko Biloba plant is only caused by Mycorrhizae infection. But, it does not show any major effect. Some organic fertilizers can remove this infection. Gingko Biloba is a pest free plant. It is also planted as a landscape plant in the gardens. It does not need spraying. It is also resistant to viral, bacterial diseases, pests and fungus.
Uses
Ginkgo FAQs
Why is ginkgo called a living fossil?
Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving species of its family. In the past there were many kinds of ginkgo, but now only this one is left.
Where does the ginkgo tree come from?
Ginkgo trees are native to China. People in China and Japan plant them around temples and shrines.
What do ginkgo leaves look like?
Ginkgo leaves are fan-shaped, leathery and about 3 inches long. Japanese people call it the ‘duck-foot’ tree, and the leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Why does a ginkgo tree smell bad?
The fruit of the ginkgo has a foul smell. The leaves and nuts, however, are used in herbal medicine.
How long does a ginkgo take to grow up?
A ginkgo is slow growing and takes about 20 years to mature. It grows best in full sun and, once established, makes a good shade tree.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
