Ginkgo biloba

Description: Deciduous conifer which is a very distinctive tree easily recognised by its attractive fan shaped fresh green leaves. Though Ginkgo is a conifer it is deciduous and the attractive leaves turn clear deep yellow in autumn before falling.

Can be grown as a specimen, in a border, as a focal point, avenue or even in a container. Very attractive and very tolerant of many conditions.

Climate/Position: Plants seem to tolerate most positions including pollution.

Height/Spread: Up to 30 meters x 20metres spread

Soil Requirements: Any soil - preferably free draining.

Pruning: No pruning required unless some shaping as a young tree.

Special Requirements:

Of great historical significance as Ginkgo are the only surviving members of the ancient group of plants which was widespread at the same time as the dinosaurs, 180-200 million years ago. They have only been saved from extinction through cultivation.

The male trees have pollen-producing catkins, whilst female trees bear the rather smelly apricot like fruits.

In Asia it remains a revered tree often planted near temples.

Today it is also cultivated for it medicinal uses such as a digestion aid, as a hangover cure as well as circulatory problems, tinnitus and is being studied for use in dementia etc.

Overall a fascinating tree with a great history, a great future and very beautiful too.