Ginkgo biloba

Common Name: Ginkgo, maidenhair tree, fossil tree, Japanese silver apricot
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoaceae

Etymology: Ginkgo is related to ginkyo which is Japanese for silver apricot. Biloba refers to its two-lobed leaves.

Indigenous Uses

The ginkgo was utilized in ancient Chinese medicine as a cure for diarrhea, coughing, and other ailments.

Medicinal Uses

The ginkgo is known to have large concentrations of antioxidants. It is utilized as a treatment for heart, brain and eye health, however, there has not been extensive research into these benefits. In modern times, an extract made from ginkgo leaves has been used to treat schizophrenia, tinnitus, and diabetes amongst other conditions and ailments.

Edible Parts

The yellow fruit, which matures in late summer and early fall, can be eaten but should not be overconsumed or vomiting, cramps and other ailments have been reported. Most people avoid the flesh as it is unappetizing, and people have reported side effects after consumption of the whole fruit, so caution should be exercised. The seed/nut inside can be eaten cooked like a regular nut and has no major side effects.

Gathering and Using

Nuts can be collected once the fruit ripens and falls to the ground, although wearing gloves is advised. Leaves can be collected in the early spring and early fall, although spring is more common.

Permaculture Functions and Considerations

It grows up to 80 feet tall, has somewhat messy fruit and is tolerant of salt and poor soil conditions.

How to Identify

Green, fan-shaped leaves with two distinct lobes turn yellow in the fall. Ginkgo trees are a medium to tall tree and are common in town/city plantings for its beautiful foliage and unique look. It is a deciduous tree and has a pyramidal shape to it.

Additional Information

The Ginkgo is known as a living fossil as it is one of the only surviving members of a primitive plant family. It's flesh gives off a very pungent odor, leading most municipalities to planting just male trees.