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Ginkgo Biloba, Tree
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Ginkgo biloba is the oldest surviving tree species.
It is a living fossil because Ginkgoales other than Ginkgo Biloba are not known from
the fossil record after the Pliocene.
A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet.
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The tree generally has a single central trunk which is fairly smooth and lightly
colored, and the wood is insect resistant. The tree is usually deep rooted and resistant to wind.
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The tree has short branches regularly spaced with regularly spaced leaves.
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This tree has inedible fruits that produce a strong odor.
The fruit contains an inner seed that may be poisonous
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The tree has distinctive fan shaped leaves. The leaves contain plant-based antioxidants.
An extract prepared from the leaves has many medical and herbal uses.
The extract is considered to be safe, and side effects are rare and mild.
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A detail shot of how the leaves grow from the ends of the branches.
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Part of reproduction is through pollen-bearing cones as shown here.
Ginkgo Biloba has male and female trees. The pollen-bearing cones
only appear on the male tree.
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Ginkgos adapt well to the urban environment.
They are tolerant of pollution and confined soil spaces, and rarely suffer disease problems
even in urban conditions. And they are beautiful trees.
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