Ginko – (Ginkgo biloba)

Appearance: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), also known as the maidenhair tree, is a deciduous tree with unique fan-shaped leaves that turn brilliant yellow in the fall. The tree has a tall, upright growth habit with sparse branches in youth, maturing into a broad, spreading crown.

Growth Habit: A slow-growing tree that can reach heights of 50–80 feet and live for centuries. It has male and female trees, with females producing foul-smelling fruits.

Cultivation: Ginkgo is often planted as a street or shade tree due to its resilience and striking autumn color.

Soil: Tolerates a variety of soils, including sandy, clay, or loamy, but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Watering: Requires moderate watering during establishment, becoming drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply but infrequently.

Uses:

Culinary: Seeds from the female tree are edible when roasted but should be consumed in moderation due to potential toxicity.
Dyeing: Not traditionally used for dyeing.
Ornamental: Highly valued for its unique foliage and autumn color, making it a popular choice for urban landscapes and gardens.
Medicinal: Renowned for its use in traditional medicine. Ginkgo extract is believed to improve circulation, enhance memory, and support cognitive function. It has antioxidant properties and is often used in supplements for brain health and age-related conditions.

Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Select male trees to avoid the messy and malodorous fruits of females. Prune lightly to maintain shape, but otherwise, it requires minimal care and is resistant to pests and pollution.