Maidenhair-tree
What are they?
The Maidenhair-tree is perhaps best known for being described as a 'living fossil'. Fossil specimens of members of this family have been found dating back some 270 million years, but all but one species of the group seem to have died out by the Pleiocene period (over 2.5 million years ago). The sole remaining member of this group of plants was described for science from trees found growing in cultivation in China but the species has never for certain been found growing in the wild, though it is believed to most likely be native to south-west China. Maidenhair-trees are probably most closely related to the cycads of the southern hemisphere and taxonomically seem to sit somewhere between conifers and ferns.
Where are they found?
This tree is quite popular as an amenity tree and may be found as a street tree or in urban parks and public spaces. It does not appear to have been recorded as self-seeded or as an escape from cultivation.
Identification
Easily told from all other trees in our area by its leaves in summer and by its distinctive bud spurs in winter. Many amenity trees planted in streets are of a narrow, upright variety.
Maidenhair-tree Ginkgo biloba
(Ginkgo) Introduced from China as an ornamental. Occasionally found as a street tree or in public spaces in towns and cities. The leaves strongly resemble those of the maidenhair-fern and is the reason for the popular English name. In winter, the trees are clothed with stubby spurs from which the leaves emerge in spring and give the plant a very distinctive look. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees but female trees are seldom planted as the outer flesh of the fruit has an unpleasant smell.
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