Ginkgo biloba
Overview
Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous tree belonging to the Ginkgoaceae family, known as a 'living fossil' that has existed on Earth for approximately 270 million years. It is one of the oldest extant seed plants, maintaining nearly the same form since the age of dinosaurs. With outstanding durability and adaptability, it is distributed worldwide and widely used as a street tree, ornamental tree, and medicinal plant.
Main Content
Biological Characteristics
Ginkgo biloba is a large tree growing 20–35 m tall with a trunk diameter of 1–4 m. Its leaves are uniquely fan-shaped, 5–10 cm long and 5–15 cm wide, with parallel veins. It is dioecious, with male flowers in catkins and female flowers at the end of long stalks. The fruit is a drupe, ripening to yellow or orange in September–October, with a distinctive odor. Ginkgo is resistant to pests and diseases, tolerates air pollution well, and often lives over 1,000 years.
History and Distribution
Ginkgo biloba is native to China and grows naturally in East Asia, including the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and Taiwan. It has been cultivated in China for thousands of years and was planted as a symbolic tree at Buddhist temples and palaces. After the 18th century, it spread to Europe and North America and is now cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. In Korea, it is commonly seen as a street tree or garden tree nationwide, with many old trees designated as Natural Monuments.
Ecology and Reproduction
Ginkgo biloba thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Reproduction is mainly through seeds or cuttings; seeds are sown after removing the yellow flesh. Distinguishing male and female trees is important, as male trees are preferred for street planting due to the foul odor of the fruit. Ginkgo grows slowly but, once established, lives for a very long time.
Cultural Significance
In East Asian culture, the ginkgo tree symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and wisdom. In Korea, it is called 'eunhaengnamu' and its yellow autumn leaves are a frequent subject of poetry and paintings. In Japan, it is called 'ichō' and is the official tree of Tokyo. In China, it is called 'baiguo' and is valued for medicinal and culinary uses.
Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Ginkgo leaf extract is widely used as a dietary supplement for improving blood circulation, enhancing memory, and providing antioxidant effects. Ginkgo seeds (eunhaeng) are roasted or cooked into porridge, side dishes, etc., and are rich in protein and fat. However, ginkgo seeds contain a toxic substance (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), so excessive consumption can cause poisoning and requires caution.
Cultivation and Management
Ginkgo biloba is popular as a street tree and park tree due to its resistance to pests and diseases and ease of care. Young trees need frequent watering, but mature trees tolerate drought well. Pruning is done during winter dormancy to maintain shape. It grows well in urban environments and is resistant to air pollution and salt.
Latest Trends
As of 2024–2025, research and use of ginkgo biloba show the following trends:
- Climate Change Response: Ginkgo's high tolerance and adaptability are drawing attention for mitigating urban heat island effects and reducing fine dust as a street tree.
- Pharmacological Research: Clinical studies on ginkgo leaf extract's effects on dementia prevention and cognitive improvement are active, especially in developing treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
- Genomic Research: Genome analysis of ginkgo is identifying genes related to longevity and disease resistance, applied to improving other plants.
- Urban Landscaping: The autumn foliage of ginkgo is being utilized as a tourism resource, with ginkgo-lined streets increasingly developed as attractions.
- Food Safety: Processing technologies to remove or reduce toxic components in ginkgo seeds are being developed, promoting safe consumption methods.
Related Topics
- [[Street tree]]
- [[Medicinal plant]]
- [[Living fossil]]
- [[Natural monuments of South Korea]]
- [[Urban landscaping]]
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