Fact Friday
Tree - Ginkgo BilobaThe Ginkgo Biloba Tree is a large deciduous species that begins life with a conical shape, becoming more irregular as it matures.The Ginkgo is a fabulous specimen tree. Best suited to large garden spaces.Common Names: Maidenhair Tree, Fossil TreeFoliage: Light green in colour with two-lobed, fan shaped leaves that turn saffron yellow in autumn.
The leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba Tree transform into a warm yellow for a great show of autumn colour.[/caption]Planting Tips: Best suited to sunny positions in well-drained soil. Being a tough tree, Ginkgo Biloba will grow well in sheltered or exposed sites and will grow to 10 x 4 metres in 20 years.Culinary uses: Popular in Asian cuisine, Ginkgo nuts, found inside the seeds are mainly served during weddings or other special occasions.
Unusual Facts:
- Ginkgo Biloba Trees are actually living fossils, and can be traced back over 270 million years!
- Four Ginkgo Biloba Trees, planted less than 2km away from the site of the Hiroshima atomic bomb survived the attack and are still alive to this day.
Literary Relevance:Ginkgo Biloba Trees have inspired many writers over the years, most famously, the German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Who wrote a poem about the Gingko Biloba Tree, published in 1819.(For literary reasons Goethe altered Gingko to Gingo)
Gingo Biloba
This leaf from a tree in the East,
Has been given to my garden.
It reveals a certain secret,
Which pleases me and thoughtful people.
Is it a living being,
Which has separated in itself?
Or are these two, who chose
To be recognised as one?
Answering this kind of question,
Haven't I found the proper meaning,
Don't you feel in my songs,
That I'm one and double?
You can buy Ginkgo Biloba Trees year round from Ornamental Trees Ltd.