Ginkgo biloba
Researched by Dr. Sara Wright
Species: Ginkgo biloba
Common name: ginkgo, maidenhair tree
Family: Ginkgoaceae (Ginkgo Family)
Clade: Gymnosperms (non-flowering seed plants)
Coordinates: 39.70594428, -75.12150208
![An icon used to show more information.](https://campustrees.glassborosummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/info-icon.jpg)
A tag using this number is placed near the tree.
Considered a living fossil, Ginkgo biloba has existed largely unchanged for 200-250 million years. It is the single remaining species of an entire Phylum of plants – the Ginkgophyta. To much of the world, the Ginkgophyta was known only in fossils until about 350 years ago. This species may have been rescued from extinction by Chinese monks cultivating it in temples, where it is considered sacred. In fact, some Ginkgo trees in China are more than 1000 years old.
The species enjoys moderately wet habitats and seasonal climates and tolerates pollution and pests, so it is often planted in urban environments. Mature trees can grow up to 130 feet.
Deciduous, Ginkgo trees have leaves that turn a vibrant yellow before dropping each fall. This tree is often planted in gardens solely for the desirable leaf color in autumn. The leaves are fan-shaped and feel leathery. The veins, which transport water and nutrients to and from the leaves, are almost parallel and sometimes split in the middle with two lobes. Hence, the species name is biloba. Read More
Campus Species Map
Researcher’s Biography
Sara J. Wright, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Dept. of Biological & Biomedical Sciences
I study Biology to understand myself, my interactions with the environment, and my place in the interconnected web of life on Earth. I teach to continue my own life-long learning and to share insights and experiences with other learners. I have loved plants since childhood, and in my classes, I emphasize the vital role that they play in human and environmental health.
A native Texan, I attended the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns!), where I earned a B.S. in Biology and teaching certificates in science and mathematics. After that, I moved to St. Louis, MO and completed my Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Population Biology at Washington University.
My studies have taken me on great adventures. During graduate school, I lived in Costa Rica for 8 weeks learning about tropical ecosystems. My Ph.D. research identified genetic variation that allows white clover, a roadside plant, to adapt to highly varied climates. I conducted field experiments with scientists in Duluth, MN and Gainesville, FL, driving thousands of plants across the United States in a U-Haul van. My research is published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including a cover photo for the American Journal of Botany (July 2018) and a featured article with a cover photo for Molecular Ecology (July 2022).
I moved to New Jersey in 2019 for my current position because I value Rowan’s mission to offer “educational experiences, pathways, environments, and services to meet the needs of all students.” Rowan’s diverse student body and high proportion of first-generation and non-traditional students drew me to the university. I also highly value Rowan’s small class sizes because they allow me to connect with every student meaningfully.
Outside of work, I have been married to my wonderful husband since 2012, and we have two cats. We recently purchased our first home (in Glassboro), where we enjoy gardening, grilling, and hosting friends and family!
Suggested Citation:
Wright, Sara J. (2022, Dec). Ginkgo biloba. Rowan University Arboretum. https://arboretum.rowan.edu/trees/ginkgo-biloba/
Questions to Explore
- Does scientific data agree with traditional medicine in supporting the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba?
- Are health-related products made for humans harvested from Ginkgo biloba using sustainable practices?
- What is the oldest known Ginkgo fossil?
- Do any animals prefer to eat the foul-smelling “nuts”? Does the answer change depending on whether we consider seed-eaters in the native vs. introduced range?
- Why does Ginkgo biloba resist pollution and pests so well?
References
Avis-Riordan, K. (2020). Ginkgo biloba: The tree that outlived the dinosaurs. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Gilman, E. F., & Watson, D. G. (1993). Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree. | Link
Ginkgo. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Ginkgo biloba. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Ginkgoales: Life History and Ecology. University of California Museum of Paleontology. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Ginkgoes. The New York Botanical Garden. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Introduction to the Ginkgoales. University of California Museum of Paleontology. Retrieved October 15, 2021 | Link
Isah, T. (2015). Rethinking Ginkgo biloba L.: Medicinal uses and conservation. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 9(18), 140-148. | Link
Singh, B., Kaur, P., Gopichand, Singh, R.D., & Ahuja, P.S. (2008). Biology and chemistry of Ginkgo biloba. Fitoterapia, 79, 401-418. | Link
Rowan University Resources
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Ginkgo: The Tree That Time Forgot | Link
International Biological Flora: Ginkgo biloba | Link
Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia | Link
Ginkgo biloba and Ginkgotoxin | Link