A living fossil, the Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) has remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years and is renowned for its resilience and longevity.
It is the only surviving member of the order Ginkgoales, which was widespread during the age of the dinosaurs. And amazingly, it is the ONLY member of its genus (Ginkgo), its family (Ginkgoaceae), its order (Ginkgoales), and its Subclass (Ginkgoidea)!
It is also the only living connection between the ferns and conifers!
The tree is easily recognizable by its fan-shaped leaves, which turn a beautiful golden-yellow color in the fall. These leaves are unique among seed plants.
Yet despite its early evolutionary status, it is still useful to us medicinally! Extracts from its leaves are used to support health in a variety of ways, including cognitive function and memory, tinnitus and erectile dysfunction.
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Plant Fact: Outlived the Dinosaurs!
