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Ginkgo

Physical information

A ginkgo tree can grow to be as much as 80 feet tall.  The overall shape of the tree is symmetrical, with the branches at about a 45 degree angle to the straight trunk.  The leaves are alternately arranged, and can be clustered in three to six on short "spurs".   They are fan-shaped, and no more than four inches across at the widest point.   The leaves have a deep notch in the center of them, which divides the leaf into two symmetrical halves.  The leaves are dichotomously veined.  There are male and female trees, the female produces seeds which are surrounded by a foul-smelling flesh, which makes the female version of the tree less desirable.  Male trees flower in May and produce pollen.

Ginkgo tree in autumn.  This is a microsporangiate tree, more ofter called the "male" tree. Central courtyard, HFCC campus

  Horticultural Information

The ginkgo tree grows well in polluted areas, which makes it a good tree to put in cities which do not have good air or soil.  It was introduced to the United States in 1784 in Philadelphia and has been planted in many areas of the US, including the lower half of Michigan, ever since.   The ginkgo is the only living survivor of a species of trees which flourished during the Age of the Reptiles.

  Distribution

Ginkgo trees are not "normal" anywhere.  This is one of the most interesting things about this tree.  It was first discovered in Japanese Temple gardens, where it was kept alive because it was considered a sacred tree.  The ginkgo is not common anywhere, which adds to the appeal of the tree for use in cities.  It is an unusual looking tree and people find it unusual. 

  Economic Uses

This tree is used mostly for ornamental purposes, and usually the male tree is used because it doesn't produce the berries.  The ginkgo can also thrive in bad situations, such as bad soil, polluted environments and insects.  The tree is a great shade tree.  These characteristics make this tree popular in polluted cities because it can thrive. 

  Medicinal Uses 

Ginkgo biloba tablets have been all the rage in the past few years.  They can be used to treat many things, such as Alzheimer's Disease and asthma.  These tablets increase blood flow to the brain, heart, eyes, ears and legs.  It eases coughing and trouble breathing associated with asthma, decreases inflammation, improves the memory and increases ATP production in the cells.

  References 

Michigan Trees worth Knowing by Norman F. Smith.
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia CD-ROM: Ginkgo

  Other Sites of Interest

Tree Report from Irvington, New York
More information on ginkgo biloba

This page was written by Rhea Camilleri for Biology 141, Botany, Fall 1998