Why is ginkgo called a living fossil?
Ginkgo is the only living species of its group and the last representative of an ancient plant lineage.
Structure, development and life cycle
Fan-shaped leaves show repeatedly forked veins. Male and female structures usually occur on separate trees, and seeds from female trees have a fleshy foul-smelling outer layer. Similar ancient fossil leaves and survival of one species inspire the term living fossil. The phrase does not mean the plant has never evolved.
Growing, uses and cautions
It can be a resilient urban tree in sunny deep drained soil and tolerates pollution and compaction better than many species once established. Male cultivars are often chosen where smelly seed coverings are undesirable. Raw seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be eaten. Medicinal leaf extracts require standardized products and professional assessment.