The Ginkgo Biloba Tree - More on its History and Facts

What is ginkgo biloba? The ginkgo biloba tree has many interesting and sometimes intriguing facts.

Have you ever realized that trees can actually have different genders, so-to-speak? I never have. The ginkgo tree is one such example - it actually has separate male and female plants. The scientific terms for trees that display characteristics of gender is "dioecious".

The female ginkgo produces the oval orange fruit on fertilization. The fruit of the ginkgo is smelly and the smell is often described as that of "rancid butter". This makes it quite a put-off.

On top of that, the slippery pulp of the fruit can also cause problems when it is smeared all over city pavements after the fruits fall to the ground.

Since these issues are specifically true of the female plant and the fruits it produces, thus, only the male ginkgo biloba trees are usually selected for planting in urban locations.

In China, ginkgo trees of more than 100 years old are protected and preserved through government regulations. They are categorized as second class protected plants of the state. The construction of roads and buildings is planned around them, and must give way in order to protect them well.

In the east, special occasions like the birth of a child, an anniversary, etc, are considered opportune to plant a ginkgo tree due to the place it enjoys in the history, social and religious habits of a community.

One of the benefits of ginkgo biloba trees is that they are known to protect against fire. A living example of this is the ginkgo that survived the Hiroshima bombing, and stands to this day at the very same spot, around which destruction was unleashed by the dropping of atomic bombs by America on Hiroshima in 1945.

Myths surrounding the ginkgo

The ginkgo biloba tree has traditionally been planted in temple compounds in China and other countries of the east, like Japan. It has also been planted in the vicinity of shrines and castles and is venerated as a holy object of worship and ritual. A sacred thread is tied around the broad trunk to denote veneration. In addition, it is known to ward off evil spirits.

Of course, one of the functions of ginkgo biloba for being planted in these areas is for the tree's known ability for protection against fires.

The ginkgo tree is also seen as a symbol of unity of opposites and is a symbol of eternal changelessness. Artists, painters and designers have been moved by its beauty and have used it in their works for its aesthetic appeal.

Ginkgo - symbol of longevity

The ginkgo can have a very long life span, up to a couple of thousand years old. In China, the oldest ginkgo biloba is said to be about 3,500 years old!

To some people, this hardy tree has a special place and is seen as one of the wonders of the world.

Ginkgo Biloba Pages | The Ginkgo Tree - History and some Facts | The Ginkgo Biloba Tree - More on its History and Facts | Interesting Facts and Benefits of the Ginkgo Tree | Health Benefits, Methods of Use and Dosages of the Ginkgo Biloba | Ginkgo Biloba Research and Studies on its Health Benefits | Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

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