Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree)
The Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil. This means that there are “fossils recognisably related to modern ginkgo . . . from over 290 million years ago.”
Its closest living relatives are the cycads, which date back 280 million years. Cycads are slow-growing plants that often have a thickset wooden trunk crowned with rigid evergreen leaves. They are frequently mistaken for palms or tree ferns.
Ginkgo trees are not extinct in the wild but are rare and considered endangered. Cultivation is common in the south of China, with some ancient specimens at temples having been planted more than 1,500 years ago. They are extremely easy to propagate from seed, and can also produce aerial roots, from which new individuals develop. Apparently, this is called ‘self-cloning.’ Trees understood and practised cloning long before the scientists!
It is an attractive, shade-providing tree, very tolerant of pollution and often planted in European and north American cities. In autumn, the fan-shaped leaves turn a spectacular yellow. In addition, the tree is disease-resistant and unattractive to many insects. Unfortunately, the pollen, which is produced only by male trees, is extremely irritating to allergy sufferers.
Left unpruned, ginkgo trees can reach a height of 35 m (115 feet) but make excellent subjects for bonsai, some examples surviving for centuries.
Its resilience to damage is exemplified by the six trees which survived the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Almost all other organisms in the immediate area died, but the ginkgo trees soon regenerated.
Many parts of the tree have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, from the 11th century, but claims for the remedies’ efficacy remain unproven. It seems to be a catch-all for everything from indigestion to dementia!
Close-up from my mug
I've heard of Ginkgo biloba being used as an herbal remedy but couldn't tell you what it's supposed to do. They do have pretty leaves.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've gleaned, it's best avoided!
DeleteWhat a pretty mug.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was very pleased with it.
ReplyDeleteHeard of it and its benefits but never tried it.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, it's better avoided!
DeleteA pretty mug! I have long admired the Ginkgo for its beautiful and unusual leaves. Amazing that it goes back that far, mind boggling. They have a beautiful Ginkgo tree in Williamsburg. It's huge and when the leaves turn in the Fall, pure gold.
ReplyDeleteI gave my parents one many decades ago, as I liked the leaves so much. The colour of the autumn leaves is described as 'saffron,' which I think suits it perfectly.
DeleteGingko is one of my husband's favorite trees. We have a small one next to our front porch that unfortunately hasn't done as well as hoped. On the other hand, he planted one at our church more than 40 years ago that has grown to be a magnificent beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe mug is a beauty, too.
DeleteHow lovely to have planted two. It's rather appropriate that the one at your church has fared so well.
DeleteI love the fall colors of Gingko trees.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful.
DeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteYes! 😃
DeleteI really enjoyed reading the history about the Ginkgo plant. I have used Ginkgo supplements in the past and found they worked for me. I would love to try and grow a plant but will have to fine out where to get a starter or seeds. You mug is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for the wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the supplements worked for you. I've read different opinions, but personal experience is the best report.
DeleteYour Ginko leaf mug is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWhen I was very young and we drove to Granny's house every Sunday, our route took us thru a city park that had many of these gingko trees. My father wanted one so badly, but sadly the one he finally bought did not live long. Our town here has a few and I enjoy seeing them. But I enjoy seeing your mug more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame for your father. Sometimes we set our hearts on things and they don't turn out the way we envisage.
DeleteThey are quite amazing trees and your mug is a good representation of their leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt is extraordinary that they have survived for such a long time.
DeleteI love the mug! I didn't realize ginkgo are uncommon and endangered in the wild. I used to see them everywhere in New York, and I see them occasionally in London but less so.
ReplyDeleteThey are unique.
DeleteI just gave our Ginko to a friend who has land. Dennis didn't want it in the yard because it is not native. Lovely thing and the leaves are exquisite. I am sad to have lost the tree, nurtured from a twig to a four foot tree, maybe I will have to get a mug like yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. I suppose we should all grow only native plants for our native insects.
DeleteI've heard the name of the plant in alternative medicine context but never looked into it. Pretty mug - will you be drinking Gingko herbal tea from it? ;)
ReplyDeleteHa ha - no herbal tea here. 😃
DeleteInteresting facts. Your mug is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise it was grown so extensively.
DeleteI wish more teachers used trees/plants to teach history. Well done.
ReplyDelete😃
Delete“Living fossil” seems to be a contradiction in terms, doesn’t it?
ReplyDeleteIt does, indeed.
DeleteI love the shape of those leaves.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, aren't they?
DeleteThey have such a lovely shape. They look beautiful on your cup.
ReplyDeleteThey are unique.
DeleteI do like your mug ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you.
DeleteThey are often used as street trees here. I like them.
ReplyDeleteYou mug is very pretty.
They provide good shade, I think.
DeleteIt always seemed strange that the gingko epitomizes longevity and resiliency but yet is endangered in the wild. There is a beauty about them...but having smelled its fruit, I'm not a fan.
ReplyDeleteThey don't taste nice, either, I believe.
DeleteThere is a gingko tree around the block from me and I pass it on my way to the shops, by now I would think all the leaves are golden, last time I went to the shops they were just beginning to turn.
ReplyDeleteThe leaf shape fascinates me.
DeleteLovely mug. It's been too darn hot in Edinburgh too -"only" 25C/77F, but that's too hot to garden comfortably. Roll on the change!
ReplyDeleteI agree - 25 C is too hot to garden!
ReplyDeleteThe male trees also have the ability to change their sex and become Female . Female trees produce a fruit which is stepped on absolutely stinks and is slippery. Some municipalities where I live are rethinking their use as street trees for this reason
ReplyDeleteThey are interesting trees, but perhaps not best suited to busy thoroughfares, at least, not in great numbers.
ReplyDelete