Description:

Ginkgo biloba is a large, deciduous tree which has a narrow habit and grows up to 30m. A living fossil, it dates back 270 million years and is a conifer. The unusual fan shaped foliage of Ginkgo biloba is light green, turning bright, clear yellow in the autumn. The leaves are often split in the centre into two lobes. Each tree has either male or female flowers, the small yellow flowers mature to drupe-like, light yellow decaying to purplish-black fruits that give off an unpleasant pungent smell when crushed. It’s common name is Maidenhair tree.

History:

According to ancient Chinese texts, the original home of the Ginkgo lay in what are now the provinces of Anhwei and Kiangsu, and it still occurs those areas in the wild. Ginkgos were then introduced to Japan about 1,000 years ago and often grown near temples. Some of them are enormous. The first tree was brought to Britain and planted in Kew Gardens in 1760.

The first Ginkgo pictured in the garden is about 25 years old. The second one is about 10 years old but is growing very slowly.

The third image shows the trunk of a mature Ginkgo growing in the Botanic Garden of the University of Hokkaido.