The Maidenhair Tree ( Ginkgo biloba ) is a species of tree that has become well known due to its use in herbal supplements to assist with numerous medical conditions including; Alzheimer’s disease, blood pressure, eye conditions and altitude sickness – but this tree has other qualities too! With its grand stature, fan shaped leaves and gorgeous yellow Autumn foliage; it really is a beautiful specimen.
The Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living trees in the world. A tree in Asia is believed to be 3000 years old. The Maidenhair Tree is the only species left in its family; sadly all others are now extinct. This tree is native to China and prefers Temperate climates. It will cope with temperatures down to -35°C in cold climates and apparently will also grow in milder Sub-Tropical climates, like Brisbane too.
Other common names are the Fossil Tree; Ginkyo and Kew Tree.
Growth
Ginkgo biloba is a slow growing deciduous tree that can grow up to heights of 30 metres tall and 10 metres wide. The dried leaves are the source of herbal supplements and also where this tree gets its species name; because they are bilobed. The leaves are fan shaped, grow between 5-10 cm in size and turn a beautiful yellow colour in the Autumn, before they fall.
Trees are either male or female in sex and both are necessary in order for the female to produce fruit. However, fruiting will not occur until the female is approximately 20-30 years of age. This species is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in parks or as a street liner and it is generally the male trees that are chosen for this purpose; because the flesh of the female fruit is offensively smelling. Fruit is around 2-2.5 cm in diameter.
Male and female trees can be grafted together and this has been a successful way to produce fruit with only one tree. The cleaned and cooked seed is edible and is a common food in Asia.
Ginkgo biloba can be successfully grown in large pots, these should be heavy though to stop the tree from falling over due to its weight. Maidenhair Trees are not uncommon to see a bonsai’s as well. A full sun position is best although will tolerate part shade. Protect from strong winds.
FAMILY:
Ginkgoaceae
CLIMATE:
Cool to Mild Sub-Tropical Climates
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-35°C to 35°C / -31 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining, sand, loam or clay – growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun (preferred) – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Average of up to 30 metres (98 feet)
WIDTH:
Average of up to 10 metres (32 feet)
pH:
5.0-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous, slow growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low (Medium while young)
POLLINATION:
Wind pollinated. Dioecious.
MATURITY:
20-30 years
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
21-26 weeks. Including Warm & Cold Stratification required prior to sowing.
SEEDS PER KILOGRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes – roasted or boiled seeds.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) 6-9 months. Apparently they can be stored in the freezer for several years with very little effect on germination rates, however we are yet to test germination rates from this method of storage and will update this space once we do.
FACTS ABOUT GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree)
It is said that Ginkgo biloba trees date back 270 million years!
Although Ginkgo biloba is well known to be used for its herbal and medicinal purposes; we do not recommend the use without speaking with your doctor first. Ginkgo biloba can contraindicate some drugs and cause unwanted side effects.
The fruit of the Ginkgo biloba tree has a horrid smell and can cause contact dermatitis in some. It contains a substance called butanoic acid that can be irritating to the skin and smells like vomit!
