Ginkgo tree

Profile

Family

Ginkgoaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

35 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

very slow

Lifespan

1000 years

First yield

after 35 years

Hardiness

zone 4–10

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 9

Synonyms

Ginkgo, Gingko

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The seed can be consumed either raw or cooked in small amounts, offering a soft, oily texture and a sweet taste similar to large pine nuts. When cooked, it has a flavor resembling a mix of potato and sweet chestnut. It is versatile in various dishes like soups and porridge but should be cooked beforehand to eliminate its slightly sharp taste. While some sources suggest raw consumption is possible, others caution against excessive intake due to potential toxicity. Rich in niacin, the seed provides a good source of starch and protein with low fat content, primarily unsaturated or monounsaturated. Additionally, the seed is used for extracting cooking oil.

Medicinal: Ginkgo has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, with its seeds being the primary focus. The plant's leaves contain active compounds that can enhance blood flow, boost cognitive function, and enhance memory. Additionally, they can improve peripheral circulation and potentially alleviate conditions like tinnitus. Ginkgolides, unique components in the leaves, have anti-allergic properties that may benefit individuals with asthma. The ginkgo fruit possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and calming qualities. Traditionally, the boiled seeds have been utilized to address asthma, coughs, and urinary issues, although caution is necessary due to reported cases of toxicity.

Other uses: An oil extracted from the seed is used as fuel for lighting. A soap substitute is made by mixing the seed pulp with oil or wine. The wood is light, soft, and has insect-repellent properties.

Growing

Ginkgo thrives in various soil types, preferring well-drained conditions, especially dry loam in a sheltered area. The best specimens are often found in soils over chalk or limestone, with flowering and fruiting more consistent after hot summers or in warm, sunny locations. Established plants are resilient to drought and air pollution. Typically used for urban street plantings, only male forms are preferred due to the unpleasant odor of the female plants' fruits, containing butanoic acid reminiscent of rancid butter. Highly decorative, Ginkgo has different named forms and is the sole surviving member of a previously thought extinct family. Remaining largely unchanged for over 150 million years, it may have existed during the era of dinosaurs. Noteworthy for its motile sperm, fertilization might occur post-seed dispersal. Belonging to an ancient order, Ginkgo is linked to tree ferns and cycads. Ginkgo generally grows slowly, averaging less than 30 cm annually from late May to late August, with growth patterns being erratic. Some years show no growth, while others witness significant growth up to a meter, seemingly unaffected by water or nutrient availability. Longevity is probable, as evidenced by a healthy tree from the original 1758 planting at Kew. Resistant to insects and diseases, Ginkgo plants are widely used in China for food and medicinal purposes, often cultivated in and around temples. Plants are either male or female, with a male tree capable of pollinating up to five females. It takes around 35 years for plants to bear fruit from seed, with sexes distinguishable before maturity by branch and leaf shapes. Pollination can be facilitated by grafting branches from male trees onto female ones, resulting in abundant fruit production. Female trees with high fruit yields are commonly found in various gardens. Seeds have two or three longitudinal ribs, with two ribs indicating female plants and three ribs indicating male plants. Trees can be pruned, including shaping them into fans against walls, although reports suggest they may not respond well to pruning and could die back.

Propagation

Seeds should be planted right after they mature, either in a cool indoor area or a sheltered outdoor garden bed. Some seeds might need stratification for germination, although there are suggestions that this step is not essential, and the seeds can be planted in the spring as long as they stay moist. Germination rates are typically from good to satisfactory. Once the seedlings are sufficiently grown, they should be moved to individual pots and kept in a greenhouse with partial shade for the initial year. By the next spring, they can be transferred to their permanent outdoor spot, possibly needing protection from the cold during the first winter outside. Cuttings from semi-mature wood can be taken in a frame during the spring, and while they might not grow in the first year, they usually develop well afterward. Cuttings from mature wood can be taken in a frame in December.

Notable

Special features: The only surviving species of Ginkgo that grew on Earth 200 million years ago and survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb at a distance of only 800m (all life within a 2km radius was destroyed); the variety "Dafushon" produces 5-10kg at 15 years; 50-100kg at 50 years; requires very little shade + trellis for vines, kiwi and others; very rarely also monoecious,

Origin & habitat

East Asia - Northern China.

Woodlands, hedgerows, and rivers are more prevalent in the western and northern regions.