Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Perennial deciduous dioecious tree. Native to eastern China.
Also known as the Maidenhair Tree and the Golden Fossil Tree, Ginkgo figures
strongly in legend and lore of China, and has been lovingly adopted by
most cultures in the temperate regions of earth. Darwin called it
a living fossil, the only species remaining of a genus which flourished
in the time of the dinosaurs. Brain tonic. Medicinally, the extract
of the leaves has been shown to dilate blood vessels, and has a particular
ability to increase peripheral blood circulation, especially to the brain.
The seeds may be roasted and are considered a great delicacy. Cultivation:
Extra care. Moist, cold-stored seed. Upon receipt, you may continue
to refrigerate the seed in its packaging until spring and then plant it,
or you may sow it immediately in a warm place. Plant 1 inch deep
and keep watered. Germination begins to occur at 33 days after planting,
and continues for several weeks. Typical germ is 40%. Grow in gallon
pots for a year or 2 before transplanting. Cold hardy. They grow
to 70 feet.
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