Maidenhair-tree

Odouriferous fan leaves

Unmistakable, with each leaf subdivided into two lobes and veins becoming finely divided like a little fan, the ginkgo is the last surviving species of the Ginkgoales. This order of plants grew across the northern hemisphere throughout the Mesozoic Era (250 to 60 million years ago) and comprised many species. The fruits of the female tree produce a revolting odour similar to that of rancid butter.

The ginkgo comes from China and was probably introduced to Japan 800 years ago by Buddhists. Monks grew this tree around their temples. The oldest specimen in Europe is located in the garden of the Utrecht University Museum and has been growing there since 1730. An extract from the leaves is used as a medicine to improve blood circulation.

Survived in temple gardens

The maidenhair tree belongs to an ancient and primitive order of plants – the Ginkgoales. This order was already growing during the Triassic (ca. 200 million years ago) before the age of the dinosaur and long before modern flowering plants had evolved. It was discovered by the scientific world in Japan in 1691, the tree had obviously been planted, and around 1730 it was introduced to Europe. The tree has separate male and female individuals. Biloba refers to its two lobed leaf with distinct parallel veins (which resemble the maidenhair fern). In China and Japan the tree is considered holy and so, for centuries, has been planted around temples. The seeds are roasted and eaten, hence its Dutch vernacular name the Japanese nut tree. Ginkgo biloba is known for its healing properties for tinnitus, constipation and headache.

Ecology and habitat

Scattered individuals can still be found in east China, on the Xitianmu Mountain in Zhejiang province, where it is unclear which of the trees are truly native. The maidenhair tree prefers damp, sandy soils in full sunlight but can tolerate more stressful conditions and are even suitable for planting in towns and cities.

Threat

This fascinating species has survived in temple gardens across the Far East. The loss of the ginkgo in the wild is probably as a result of deforestation. It is not known whether the Maidenhair tree still occurs in the wild. Cultivated trees are spread across the world and a lot of money is earned from exploiting the medicinal properties of the leaves. It is therefore likely that this ancient tree will continue to endure the test of time albeit only cultivated.