Ginkgo biloba: a tree with flamboyant foliage, steeped in history
The plant kingdom is home to some fascinating treasures, not least the Ginkgo biloba. This exceptional deciduous tree deserves special attention. Native to south-western China, the Ginkgo biloba, also known as the “silver apricot tree” or the “tree of forty écus”, is the last representative of its lineage. This conifer can live for more than 1,000 years and is one of the oldest trees in the world
Ginkgo biloba, an exceptional tree
The Ginkgo biloba tree owes its name to the Japanese word “Gin Yyo”, meaning duck’s foot, in reference to the characteristic shape of its leaves. The term “biloba”, which means “two lobes”, also refers to its split leaves.
This conifer is distinguished by its dioecious characteristic. In other words, it is a dioecious species that can be either male or female. Female trees are distinguished by the presence of fruit and male trees by clusters of pollen cones. However, it is not possible to tell their sex until they reach sexual maturity. This takes around 20 years
An hardy exotic tree
With a height of up to 30 metres and a diameter of around 9 metres, this hardy tree thrives in our surroundings. Its foliage is bright green in spring and summer, then turns a magnificent golden yellow in autumn. Close to us, a rather unusual Ginkgo can be seen at the Botanical Gardens in Tours. Several hundred years ago, one of the gardeners grafted a female branch onto this male tree. As a result, it grows fruit every autumn
History
In Europe, the history of Ginkgo biloba dates to the XVIIᵉ century, when its seeds were introduced to the Netherlands. In 1780, M. de Pétigny acquired five young Ginkgo trees in London for 40 ecus, thus triggering the nickname “tree of forty ecus” It should be noted that, at the time, all known individuals in Europe were male. It was not until 1814 that a female specimen was discovered in Geneva.
The resilience of Ginkgo biloba is fascinating. One example is the incredible story of Hiroshima. After the explosion, a Ginkgo located near a destroyed temple was the first plant to flower the following spring, underlining its resilience in the face of pollution and radiation.
The Ginkgo leaf has also become the symbol of the city of Tokyo, representing growth, prosperity, charm and tranquility.
If you dream of owning a tree with a story to share, the Gingko biloba is the one to turn to. When you buy one, you’ll enjoy a plant of timeless beauty, with foliage that blazes in all seasons (spring through to autumn).
Properties of the Ginkgo biloba tree
The leaves of the Gingko biloba tree are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and terpenoids. Terpenoids are molecules with odoriferous properties, which enable them to repel harmful insects in order to protect themselves. They also have medicinal properties, such as fighting bacteria, fungi and stress. These two components give the tree numerous medicinal benefits. Ginkgo biloba is renowned for helping the memory to function properly, acting as a neuroprotector. Its foliage is used in particular to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Growing and maintaining your Ginkgo biloba tree
Buying a Ginkgo biloba can bring a touch of serenity and well-being to your garden. With its soothing presence and changing foliage, this tree is ideal for recharging your batteries whenever you feel the urge.
We’ll explain how to grow and care for it, so that your small Ginkgo biloba grows into a splendid tree several metres tall.
For those wishing to introduce this tree to their garden, it should be noted that it adapts very well to any environment. It does, however, need plenty of room to grow properly and deep soil, as it has a taproot. This sinks vertically into the soil and develops roots all around it.
Before planting your Gingko biloba in the ground, we recommend that you grow it in a pot, at least for the first year. This will strengthen it. Then, climate permitting, you can plant it in your garden, preferably in full sun. Choose a period after the last frosts, i.e. between April and June.
Whether it’s in a pot or in the ground, you’ll need to water it copiously, taking care to wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. It does not need pruning, which is not recommended to prevent it losing its original shape. However, a stake may be useful to ensure upright growth.
Whether in a pot or in the ground, you should water it copiously the first years, taking care to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It does not need pruning, which is not recommended to prevent it losing its original shape. However, a stake may be useful to ensure upright growth.
Ginkgo biloba is a hardy tree that develops slowly over its first ten to twelve years, after which it grows more rapidly.
You can buy a potted Ginkgo biloba from Rayon de Serre. We cultivate them with care to offer you plants that you will have the pleasure of seeing grow.
