Description

Ginkgo biloba, also known as ginkgo, is a deciduous tree in the Ginkgoaceae family. It is hardy and tolerates even poor soil and atmospheric pollution. Because of its longevity and resilience, it is sometimes nicknamed "the tree of forty écus". The fan-shaped leaves are light green, two-lobed and 5 to 10 cm wide. In autumn, they take on a lovely golden hue. Slow-growing, it can measure between 20 and 35 m. When young, it has a conical shape, becoming wider and more irregular. The bark is greyish and cracked with age. The flowers are insignificant. Male trees bear yellow cones in the shape of catkins; female trees bear small naked seeds.

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Origin

Ginkgo biloba is native to China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for its many properties. Considered a fossil species. It was introduced to other parts of Asia, then to Europe and North America. It is planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens and streets for its shape, foliage and autumn colour. Ginkgo leaf extracts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Seeds consumed in certain crops require special preparation to eliminate toxic compounds. Leaf extracts are used as dietary supplements to improve memory and brain function, although the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed.