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Ginkgo – Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo is a decidious tree which grows to 40m , it has lobed fan shaped leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Flowering takes place after 20 years with male and female flowers and fruits borne on seperate trees. Male trees have an earlier leaf fall and less spreading. Female fruits have a rancid smell when fallen. Ginkgo is a very robust tree and suffers from few pests, tolerates pollution well and a salty atmosphere.

Ginkgo is full hardy it does best in well drained but fertile soil and a sunny position.Ginkgo is propagated from seed sown in containers in autmn or from cuttings taken in summer. It should not be pruned as this leads to die-back.

Ginkgo leaves have recently been discovered to contain compounds called ginkgolides, which promote blood flow, inhibit allergic reactions and have been found to be helpful for Parkinson’s disease. The seeds are used in chinese medicine for asthma and coughs.

Ginkgo nuts are roasted and sometimes served with bird’s nest soup in Chinese cuisine.

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