Ginkgo biloba

Deciduous tree that grows up to 30m tall and 8m wide. Conical habit when young, becoming more irregular with age.

Fan shaped leaves are bright green in summer and turn yellow in autumn before dropping on the ground. Select male plants only as female plants produce an unpleasant smelling fruit. Insignificant catkin-like pendulous male flowers are borne in clusters in spring.

Grows best in well-drained soil with full sun. Will tolerate poor, compacted soil, as well as heat, drought, salt spray and air pollution.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark and compost to improve soil structure. Before planting, ensure that the root ball is saturated and remove planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Long term, slow-release fertilisers may be added at this stage. As soil is placed in the prepared hole, tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root ball. Water thoroughly, making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root ball.

Tall plants and those in windy positions require staking to stabilise the root ball until established. Position the stakes in the hole before planting and place the plant between them. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing. Tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind, encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic material, such as sawdust and bark, contribute to soil structure. However, make sure to keep mulch away from plant stems. The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants, so water thoroughly during dry periods. A light application (50g/m2) of general-purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Check stakes and ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage.

Free of pests and diseases.

Fungal leaf spots mealybugs lesion nematode root rots

Urban Trees

The Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest types of trees in the world and is a living fossil. It is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. For centuries it was thought to be extinct in the wild but is now known to grow in at least two small areas in Zhejiang province in Eastern China in the Tian Mu Shan Reserve. However recent studies indicate high genetic uniformity among ginkgo trees from these areas arguing against a natural origin of these populations and suggesting that the ginkgo trees in these areas may have been planted and preserved by Chinese monks over a period of about 1000 years. Only the female plant produces fruit the seeds from this fruit have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The nuts have not been popular outside China as their outer shells have a terrible odour described as ""rancid butter"" or ""vomit"". Yet in China gingko nuts are considered a delicacy and the trees are often thought sacred. They are so reverenced they may be planted near temples in certain Asian countries. Asians who favour ginkgo nuts know that once the badly smelling outer layer is peeled off the nut is sweet and of mild flavour comparable to a chestnut or pistachio. The nuts are often roasted where the resemblance between the ginkgo nut and the chestnut is even more closely understood. It is thought that they are potentially helpful in memory retention and traditional Chinese medicine gingko nuts are considered to be an aphrodisiac. It is also one of the best-selling herbal supplements in the United States and Europe. Ginkgo has a long history of use in treating blood disorders and memory issues. It is best known today as way to potentially keep your memory sharp. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by opening up blood vessels and making blood less sticky. It is also an antioxidant. For those reasons ginkgo may improve vein and eye health. Although not all studies agree ginkgo may help treat dementia (including Alzheimer disease) and intermittent claudication or poor circulation in the legs. It may also protect memory in older adults. Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids which are both antioxidants. In your body harmful particles called free radicals build up as you age and may contribute to heart disease cancer and Alzheimer disease. Antioxidants like those found in ginkgo fight off free radicals and stop them from damaging DNA and other cells.