Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest plant species, native to China. It has been widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world and can also be found in some urban areas as an ornamental plant.
Ginkgo biloba is a large deciduous tree that can reach a height of 20-35 meters and a width of 8-12 meters. It has a conical or rounded crown with irregular branching. The leaves are unique, bilobed or fan-shaped, with wavy margins and a distinctive Y-shaped venation. Leaf coloration varies from deep green in spring and summer to golden yellow in autumn before they fall.
Ginkgo biloba is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. Male trees produce small yellow amentiform cones, which are not particularly ornamental. Female trees produce seeds covered in a yellowish, fleshy pulp, which has an unpleasant odor when mature. The seeds are small, round, and light brown, containing a single large starch grain.
Ginkgo biloba is highly resilient and can adapt to a variety of environmental conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. While it can tolerate shade, it grows best in sunny locations. It is drought-resistant and tolerant of air pollutants, making it suitable for cultivation in urban environments.
Ginkgo biloba is known for its longevity and resilience, with some specimens exceeding 1,000 years of age. It is highly valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly for its spectacular autumn foliage. Ginkgo biloba leaves are used in traditional medicine for their purported therapeutic properties, including improvements in memory and blood circulation. The wood of Ginkgo biloba is durable and resistant, but it is not commonly used commercially. Male trees are preferred in urban settings to avoid the odor issues associated with the seeds produced by female trees.
