Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo, Latin name: Ginkgo biloba L, also known as the maidenhair tree or the "living fossil," is a deciduous tree with distinct male and female plants. It features fan-shaped leaves, a broad canopy, and produces orange-yellow fruits. Ginkgo is one of the oldest surviving gymnosperms and is known as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage. It takes about twenty years for a ginkgo tree to bear fruit, and it can live for over a thousand years. Its attractive appearance and longevity make it ideal for landscaping and ornamental purposes. Ginkgo seeds are nutritious with natural health benefits, potentially delaying aging and prolonging life. In the Song Dynasty, ginkgo was listed as a royal tribute.

Ginkgo - Morphological Features

Ginkgo trees are large deciduous trees, reaching up to 40 meters in height and up to 4 meters in diameter. Young trees have smooth, pale gray bark, while older trees have gray-brown bark with irregular vertical fissures. Leaves are alternately arranged, fan-shaped, light green on both sides, and may have lobed or divided edges. Ginkgo trees are dioecious with male and female cones found in the axils of short branches. Male cones are catkin-like with numerous stamens, while female cones have long peduncles and often split into two or three forks with a single ovule at each fork. The seeds are oval, 2.5-3.5 cm long, with a fleshy, powdery white outer seed coat that turns yellow or orange when mature. Ginkgo is known for its slow growth and exceptional longevity. It thrives in subtropical climates with adequate water and heat.

Ginkgo - Regional Distribution

Ginkgo is widely distributed across China, Japan, Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, France, and Russia. It grows in temperate and subtropical climates, with natural populations found in China’s Shandong, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces. In China, ginkgo is cultivated extensively, with wild populations found in remote areas such as Tianmu Mountain in Zhejiang, Dabie Mountain in Hubei, and Shennongjia. The vertical distribution ranges from low elevations in plains to about 3000 meters in mountainous regions.

Ginkgo - Historical Significance

Ginkgo appeared about 345 million years ago during the Carboniferous period and was widespread across the northern hemisphere. It survived the Quaternary glaciations and is now known as a "living fossil" or "panda of the plant world." Historical records show ginkgo cultivation in China for over a thousand years. Europeans first encountered ginkgo in Japan in 1691 and introduced it to Europe in 1712. Some ginkgo trees are reported to be over 2500 years old.

Ginkgo - Edible Value

Ginkgo seeds, known as "white fruits," are a major economic product, ranking third among dry fruits. In China, they account for 90% of global production and are important for their medicinal properties. Ginkgo leaves and seeds are used in various forms such as roasted, boiled, or made into products like beverages and pastries. The leaves contain over 160 known chemical compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids.

Ginkgo - Medicinal Value

Ginkgo has a range of medicinal uses, including treating respiratory issues, reducing phlegm, and enhancing circulation. It contains compounds with significant pharmacological effects, such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Ginkgo extracts are used in various medicines and supplements for cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and more. Ginkgo seeds and leaves are also used in veterinary medicine.

Ginkgo - Economic Value

Ginkgo is a valuable economic resource in China, where it is used in health foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The use of ginkgo leaf extracts in skincare and other products is expanding, with many companies developing natural products from ginkgo. The cultivation and processing of ginkgo have significant economic and ecological benefits.

Ginkgo - Ecological Value

Ginkgo trees are highly resistant to urban pollution, pests, and fire. Their large canopies provide shade and cooling effects, making them ideal for urban greening. They are also used in erosion control and environmental restoration. Ginkgo’s resilience to pollution and environmental stress makes it a valuable tree for maintaining ecological balance and improving urban environments.