Ginkgo biloba is the oldest surviving tree species. It is a living fossil because Ginkgoales other than Ginkgo Biloba are not known from the fossil record after the Pliocene. A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet.

The tree generally has a single central trunk which is fairly smooth and lightly colored, and the wood is insect resistant. The tree is usually deep rooted and resistant to wind.

The tree has short branches regularly spaced with regularly spaced leaves.

This tree has inedible fruits that produce a strong odor. The fruit contains an inner seed that may be poisonous

The tree has distinctive fan shaped leaves. The leaves contain plant-based antioxidants. An extract prepared from the leaves has many medical and herbal uses. The extract is considered to be safe, and side effects are rare and mild.

A detail shot of how the leaves grow from the ends of the branches.

Part of reproduction is through pollen-bearing cones as shown here. Ginkgo Biloba has male and female trees. The pollen-bearing cones only appear on the male tree.

Ginkgos adapt well to the urban environment. They are tolerant of pollution and confined soil spaces, and rarely suffer disease problems even in urban conditions. And they are beautiful trees.