Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, also known as the maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a living fossil.
It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated, and was cultivated early in human history.
While its leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, modern research primarily focuses on ginkgo extract, which is made from the leaves.
Ginkgo supplements are associated with several health claims and uses, most of which focus on brain function and blood circulation.
My Ginkgo plant (hopefully a tree after some years) is standing in my window during winter time, but when summer arrives – it thrives in my garden. These are some of the new leaves this year.
Leya 
I love the Ginkos. I went on a horticultural trip to China back in the 80s and learned they had survived the ice age. Amazing plants!
Glad you liked it – you cannot but be impressed by their history!
Those leaves are beautiful! I can see why it’s called maidenhair!!!
😀
Beautiful leaf 😊 it look like a fan. Nicely photographed. 😎
Thank you, Isadora! Yes, they look like fans, very special.
Such beautiful, elegant leaves! Well captured. 🙂
Glad you like them, Amy! They are one of my absolute favorites.
You’ve captured the beauty of these leaves, Ann-Christine. Such a beautiful shape. And how about when they turn? So pretty. I didn’t know about it being a ”living fossil”- thanks.
Thank you, Jane. Yes, the golden trees in autumn are just magical!
The green looks so vibrant
It is in the sun – and in the autumn it is golden.
Truly, it has one of the most eloquent leaves and also has its own aesthetic appeal.
I must agree! And to see the golden trees in autumn is fantastic.
There are many reasons: his beauty, his value as supervivient (”living fossil”), his history.
In fact, time ago I wrote some articles dedicated to Ginkgo biloba. The problem: are in spanish…
Anyway, here are:
Curiosidades sobre el Ginkgo biloba (Curiosities about Ginkgo biloba)
https://wp.me/p8ysjN-1b2
Goethe: ”Ginkgo biloba”
https://wp.me/p8ysjN-1aK
Ginkgo biloba: el ”ornitorrinco” del mundo vegetal (Ginkgo biloba: the ”platypus” of the plant world)
https://wp.me/p8ysjN-1aG
Thank you for the links – beautiful tributes to a wonderful tree!
Gingko biloba is my favourite tree!
Mine too! Why is it yours? I love its leaves and its history. And the golden autumn leaves!