Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba
The Maidenhair is an ancient and unique species of tree whose fossilised remains have been found in rocks millions of years old on the isle of Mull and across the northern hemisphere. The branches have a mainly upright growing habit, which has led to them being planted in relatively confined spaces including roadsides, although they can grow to be large trees. The leathery textured, fan shaped leaves make the Maidenhair readily identifiable as they are like no other species of tree leaf.
Situation
In modern times the Maidenhair tree was only to be found growing in cultivation in the Far East and was thought to be extinct in the wild although some stands of possibly naturally seeded trees grow in eastern China. The largest trees in China have been found to reach more than 150 feet tall and are estimated to be as much as 3000 years old. The Maidenhair was introduced to the British Isles from the Far East in the second half of the 17th century; a specimen planted at Kew Gardens in 1762 still thrives. Today in the UK the tree may be found in a variety of settings in parkland, gardens and streets. There is a young specimen growing in the gardens of New Forest District Council offices in Lyndhurst. Maidenhair trees are known as dioecious in that individual trees produce either all male or all female flowers. Because of the strong and unpleasant aroma produced by the fruits of female trees, most Maidenhair trees planted in public places are males.
Season/Life cycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| Male trees produce pollen on small catkin like structures. Female trees produce ovules at the tips of branches. | Distinctive fan shaped green leaves with a leathery texture, which turn bright yellow in Autumn before falling. | Fertilized ovules of female trees develop into small apricot or crab apple sized fruits with a strong and distinctly unpleasant aroma when mature. |
Uses
For centuries extracts of various parts of the tree have been used in herbal remedies in Far Eastern countries
Wildlife
There are no widely recorded beneficial wildlife associations in the UK.
