Ginkgoales

Description

Ginkgoales, also known as ginkgos, are a unique and ancient group of plants that have been around for over 200 million years. They are considered to be living fossils as they are the only surviving members of the Ginkgophyta division, which once had many different species. Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. They are commonly grown for their beautiful fan-shaped leaves and unique appearance.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Ginkgophyta
Class	Ginkgoopsida
Order	Ginkgoales
Family	Ginkgoaceae
Genus	Ginkgo

Appearance

Ginkgos are deciduous trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall, though they are more commonly seen at 50-80 feet tall. The trees have a pyramid-like shape when young, but the crown becomes broader with age. The leaves are fan-shaped, with two lobes that divide the leaf in half. They are a bright green color in the spring and summer, turning a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and has a deeply furrowed texture.

Care Guide

Ginkgos are relatively low-maintenance trees, but they do require some care. Here are some tips for keeping your ginkgo healthy:- Water: Ginkgos prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize your ginkgo in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Ginkgos prefer soil that is slightly acidic and well-drained. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, but avoid planting them in soil that is too heavy or clay-like.- Sunlight: Ginkgos prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the tree to become leggy and weak.- Hardiness Zones: Ginkgos are hardy in zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Ginkgos are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but there are a few things to watch out for:- Ginkgo leaf spot: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation. It is not usually serious, but can be unsightly. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.- Ginkgo gall: This is a type of insect infestation that causes small, round growths on the leaves and branches. It is not usually serious, but can be unsightly. Prune off affected branches if necessary.- Japanese beetles: These pests can defoliate a ginkgo tree if left unchecked. Treat with an insecticide if necessary.

Habitat

Ginkgos are native to China, but have been cultivated in other parts of the world for centuries. They are commonly grown as ornamental trees in parks and gardens, but can also be found in their native habitat in China.

Questions and Answers

Q: Are ginkgos deciduous or evergreen?

A: Ginkgos are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the fall.

Q: Can ginkgos tolerate drought?

A: Ginkgos are relatively drought-tolerant, but do best when watered regularly.

Q: Are ginkgos male or female?

A: Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees.

Q: Can ginkgos be grown in containers?

A: Ginkgos can be grown in containers, but be sure to use a large container and provide plenty of water and nutrients.

Related Plants

– Conifers- Cycads- Ferns- Horsetails

References

– Dirr, Michael. The Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Stipes Publishing, 2009.- “Ginkgo biloba.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287181. Accessed 13 Aug 2021.- “Ginkgo biloba.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19116/ginkgo-biloba/details. Accessed 13 Aug 2021.