Contents
Description
Ginkgoopsida is a class of plants that includes the only living species of Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree. This deciduous tree is native to China but can now be found in other parts of the world, where it is grown for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Ginkgo biloba is popular for its unique fan-shaped leaves, which turn a beautiful shade of gold in the fall. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a broad, spreading crown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Ginkgophyta|| Class| Ginkgoopsida || Order| Ginkgoales|| Family| Ginkgoaceae|| Genus| Ginkgo|| Species| G. biloba|
Appearance
Ginkgo biloba has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other trees. Its leaves are fan-shaped and can grow up to 3 inches long. They have a distinctive vein pattern that is easily recognizable. The tree’s bark is gray and rough, with deep furrows and ridges. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of gold and drop from the tree, leaving a carpet of leaves on the ground.
Care Guide
To care for Ginkgo biloba, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and to know its hardiness zones.Water: Ginkgo biloba prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be over-watered. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in the fall with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage root growth.Soil: Ginkgo biloba prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow as well or produce as many leaves.Hardiness Zones: Ginkgo biloba is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ginkgo biloba is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some common pests and diseases, including:Pests: Ginkgo leaf miner, scale insects, and aphids can sometimes infest the tree.Diseases: Anthracnose, leaf spot, and cankers can affect Ginkgo biloba.
Habitat
Ginkgo biloba is native to China but can now be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The tree prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly grown in parks, gardens, and along streets for its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ginkgo biloba a conifer?A: No, Ginkgo biloba is not a conifer. It belongs to the class Ginkgoopsida.Q: How long does it take for Ginkgo biloba to grow?A: Ginkgo biloba can grow up to 1-2 feet per year and can reach a height of up to 100 feet in about 50 years.Q: Is Ginkgo biloba an endangered species?A: No, Ginkgo biloba is not an endangered species. It is a popular ornamental and medicinal tree.Q: What are the medicinal properties of Ginkgo biloba?A: Ginkgo biloba is believed to improve memory, cognitive function, and circulation. It is also used to treat anxiety, depression, and tinnitus.
Related Plants
Other plants in the class Ginkgoopsida include:- Ginkgoites- Baiera- Sphenobaiera- Ginkgo yimaensis
References
– “Ginkgo biloba.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a644.- “Ginkgo biloba.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/ginkgo-biloba.- “Ginkgoopsida.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/plant/Ginkgoopsida.
