Ginkgo Tree (Seeds)

Description:

The ginkgo is a living fossil, recognizable in fossils and with no living relatives. For centuries, it was thought to be extinct in the wild, but is now known to grow in at least two small areas in Zhejiang province in eastern China, in the Tianmushan Reserve. Because the odor from the fruit is found objectionable, usually male trees are preferred for landscaping purposes in the modern era. I have seen ginkgo trees before, but finding one with seeds on it is a little unusual for this reason.

Habitat:

Where it occurs in the wild, it is found infrequently in deciduous forests and valleys on acidic loess (i.e. fine, silty soil) with good drainage. The soil it inhabits is typically in the pH range of 5.0 to 5.5. It has been commonly cultivated in North America for over 200 years and in Europe for close to 300, but during that time, it has never become significantly naturalized.

Notes:

Planted in landscaping at the Charleston Museum