Ginkgo biloba, also known as the "Old God Tree," is a remarkable species that has existed for over 3,000 years. Native to China, it is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth and is often referred to as a "living fossil." Its scientific name, *Ginkgo biloba*, reflects its unique position in the plant kingdom. Common names include ginkgo, Gongsun tree, duck foot tree, and poplar fan. As a gymnosperm, it is a deciduous tree that blooms in May and bears fruit in October. The fruits are orange-yellow in color, and the leaves have a distinctive fan-like shape with two lobes at the tip.
Ginkgo biloba is a relict species, meaning it has survived from ancient times while many other plants have gone extinct. It once thrived across Europe, Asia, and North America during the Mesozoic era but declined significantly during the Cretaceous period. A major ice age around 500,000 years ago led to its near extinction in most regions, except in China, where it managed to survive due to favorable conditions. This resilience has earned it the nickname "plant panda."
There are several varieties of ginkgo, including yellow leaf ginkgo, tower-shaped ginkgo, split ginkgo, weeping ginkgo, and variegated ginkgo. These trees grow slowly and can live for more than a thousand years. It typically takes 20 years before they start bearing fruit, and by the time they reach 40 years old, they produce a large number of seeds. One famous example is an ancient ginkgo tree in Dinglin Temple, Shandong, which is believed to be over 3,000 years old and still thriving today.
In terms of morphology, ginkgo trees can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of about 4 meters. Their bark is grayish-brown with deep cracks, and their branches have both long and short shoots. Leaves are fan-shaped, with bifurcated veins and alternate or clustered arrangements. Ginkgo is dioecious, meaning male and female trees are separate. The seeds, which mature from September to October, are pale yellow or orange when cooked.
Ginkgo is not only beautiful but also highly adaptable. It tolerates pollution, smoke, and toxic gases, making it ideal for urban environments. Its foliage turns golden in autumn, providing a striking visual effect. Due to its longevity, resistance to pests, and clean appearance, it is widely used in landscaping, street planting, and as a windbreak.
China is the native home of ginkgo and has the most diverse range of cultivars. Historically, ginkgo cultivation and trade have been significant in Chinese culture. Today, ginkgo wood is valued for its light color and fine texture, used in furniture and carving. The seeds are edible but contain small amounts of toxins and should be consumed with caution. In traditional Chinese medicine, both the seeds and leaves are used for their medicinal properties.
Despite its widespread use, wild ginkgo populations are rare, and conservation efforts are essential to ensure its survival. Most ginkgo trees today are cultivated, particularly in China, France, and South Carolina. The global presence of ginkgo is a testament to its historical and ecological importance.
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