Accession Data:
Ginkgo biloba L.
- Common Name: Maidenhair Tree
- Family: Ginkgoaceae Engl.
- Synonym(s): Salisburia adiantifolia Sm.
- Country of Origin: S. China
- Habitat: Found wild in only 2 localities at Guizhou and on the Anhui
- Description: The ginkgo grows at least 80 ft (24 m) tall, upright when young and eventually spreading to 30 ft (9 m) or more. Deciduous, the 4 in (10 cm) long, matt green, fan-shaped leaves turn golden yellow in fall (autumn). A fleshy, plum-like orange-brown fruit with an edible kernel appears in late summer and fall if male and female trees are grown together. 'Fastigiata' is a slender, erect cultivar that reaches 30 ft (9 m). 'Princeton Sentry' has a narrow, upright habit and is male.
- Uses: Widely used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. Also widely available as an herbal supplement in the US. The main effects of Ginkgo extract are reported to be in the areas of improved blood flow to tissues and organs, as an anti-oxidant it protects against cell damage from free-radicals, and blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet aggregation / blood clotting) that have been related to various cardiovascular, renal and respiratory disorders.
Ginkgo leaves originally grow in China from common maidenhair trees. This leaves can be made into tinctures, teas, powered tablets and more. In the circulatory system, it improves blood flow and strengthens blood vessels. Because it improves circulation, oxygen to the brain increases and is known to strength memory and cognitive thinking. Ginkgo is also anti-inflammatory and treats thrombosis, varicose veins, spontaneous bruising and cramps. This is especially helpful in the elderly. Gingko can be helpful in relaxing the lungs and therefore aides in asthma symptoms.
In the nervous system: strengthens brain, cognitive functions, enhances memory, helps with ADHD, neurosis, narcolepsy, helps with Alzheimer's Disease and Addison's Disease, anti-depressant and alleviates anxiety. May also help with strokes and other neurological disorders. This plant is considered a complete brain tonic.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
- USDA Zone: 3a-9b
Accession Data:
- Accession # 199500136
- Source: Seed from campus specimen
- Accession Date: 05-15-1995
- Bench: 2305 - Temperate Asia
- Currently: active - healthy
- Qty: 3 confirmed on 06-30-2024
- Restrictions:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered Species
- IUCN Red List: Endangered Species
Classification:
- Division: Ginkgophyta
- Class: Ginkgoopsida
- SubClass: Ginkgoidae
- Order: Ginkgoales
- SubOrder:
- Family: Ginkgoaceae
- SubFamily:
- Tribe:
- SubTribe:
References (internal):
- Gymnosperms & Gnetophytes
- Medicinal Plants
- Medicinal Plants - Ayurveda Medicine
- IUCN Redlist Endangered Species
- EEB 3271 - Systematic Botany
- EEB 3203 - Developmental Plant Morphology
- Medicinal Plants - Nervous System
- Medicinal Plants - Circulatory System
- Medicinal Plants - Respiratory System
- Medicinal Plants - Musculoskeletal System
- Medicinal Plants - Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Currently Featured Medicinal Plants
- EEB Greenhouse Holdings native to: China South-Central / China Southeast /
References (external):
- Plants For A Future Website Botanica, Turner & Wasson, 1997, CD-ROM Version
- Ginkgo biloba Website
- Ginkgo, and the Trouble with Living Fossils at Burger's Onion {Matt's Blog}
- Ginkgo biloba at IUCN Redlist. Last accessed 26 June 2017.
- The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Last accessed on Friday, June 30, 2017.
- WCSP (2016). World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Last accessed on Friday, June 30, 2017.
data regenerated on Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:42:01 -0400 [bcm v4.0]
Images:
Additional images for this accession:
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
Current Accessions in the Ginkgoaceae
W/C = Wild Collected
= indicates flowering in past 14 days
= images available for this accession
= map available for this accession
= accession added within past 90 days