Family: Ginkgoaceae
Common Name: Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba is the only remaining species of this remarkable genus, known to have first appeared some 300 million years ago. It is even older than the ancient conifers and cycads, both of which belong to the same group as the Ginkgo genus. While the earliest fossils of the conifers and cycads bear little resemblance to their present forms, fossilized Ginkgo leaves are virtually identical to the modern species which has survived only because it has been cultivated around Buddhist temples in China and Japan. It is a truly beautiful tree, greatly valued for street and city plantings in temperate climates, as it is resistant to pollution and almost com­pletely free of diseases and pests. It is easy to propagate and adapts to a wide range of soils.

Species

G. biloba, a native of south-western China, is a medium to large, deciduous tree, reaching heights in ideal conditions of 25 m (80 It), though seldom growing taller than 15 m (50 ft) in a range of situations. They grow fairly slowly and have rather a spreading, low-branching habit. Their bark is quite corky and their fresh green foliage resembles large maid­enhair leaves, colouring a golden yellow in autumn, even in mild coastal areas. The large seeds of the fruits, known as 'ginkgo nuts', are edible and nutritious, though they emit an unpleas­ant smell once they have fallen. Cultivar 'Fastigiata' has a slender, conical growth habit, with upward-pointing branches.

Cultivation

Ginkgos thrive in areas of high rain-autumn, with cold winters and warm, humid sum­mers. They will grow in almost any soil, pro­vided it is deep and the subsoil is sufficiently moist. Some shelter from hot, drying winds is necessary. Propagate from seed or by grafting onto seedling understocks.

Climate

Zone 4.