Ginkgo biloba seeds

The Ginkgo biloba, also known as the 40-Crown Tree or Silver Apricot Tree, is an original and remarkable ornamental tree. The fan-shaped leaves turn a very bright gold yellow in the autumn. It's a tree with exceptional hardiness.

The 40-crown Tree is a unique plant from China, the only member of the Ginkgoaceae family. Although it's often considered a conifer, it stands out as a one-of-a-kind plant. The tree is known as a "living fossil" or "prehistoric" because the first Ginkgos appeared on Earth about 300 million years ago.

Its growth is slow, it can reach 40 metres (131 feet 2 inches) in a natural medium, and its average height in Europe is of the order of 15 to 20 metres. The habit evolves over time, initially columnar with a narrow crown, and it rounds off progressively while maintaining an airy silhouette.

It's a tree that is easily recognisable by its lobed leaves, which resemble fans. They are deciduous and measure from 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3.1 in) wide. It is dioecious (the two sexes do not coexist on the same young plant, there are male Ginkgos and female Ginkgos) and bears in the spring insignificant flowers, in catkins.

The Ginkgo is of exceptional hardiness, it is often cited as being the only tree that survived the atomic bomb during the attack on Hiroshima, and it was traditionally planted around temples to protect them from fires. With a remarkable longevity as well as being very resistant to pollution, diseases and parasites, it is reputed to be able to live 4000 years. It is hardy down to - 30 ° (86 °F) C.

Not demanding about the nature of the soil, it even accepts limestone, provided that the soil is well drained and deep enough to accommodate its tap root. You should plant it in the sun or in semi-shade, with lots of space around it to enjoy its magnificent autumn colour.

The Ginkgo biloba is far from being reserved for Asian-style gardens, it will find its place in almost all gardens large enough to accommodate it once it is mature. Its pot culture is also possible, ideally in a removable type "orangerie" container. Experts can also train it as a Bonsai.

When planting a Ginkgo tree, it's best to avoid planting it close to the house. Female trees produce fruits that are the size of a mirabelle plum. These fruits fall off when ripe and release an unpleasant smell as they decompose. However, the tree's beauty makes it worth the temporary inconvenience. The leaves of the Ginkgo tree can be used for therapeutic purposes. In China and Japan, the fruits are eaten fresh or roasted.