Tuesday 3 June 2014
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
also spelled gingko and also
known as the maidenhair tree, is
a unique species of tree with no living relatives. The ginkgo is a living
fossil, recognisably similar to fossils
dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely
cultivated and was introduced early to human history. It has various uses in traditional
medicine and as a source of food. Ginkgos
are large trees, normally reaching a height of 20–35, with some specimens in China
being over 50 m. The tree has an angular crown and long, somewhat erratic
branches, and is usually deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. Source
