Japanese ginkgo, or ginkgo biloba, is a frost-resistant tree with a fairly slow growth, with a conical shape, and more spreading in older plants. It is valued for its decorative foliage and healing properties. Learn about interesting varieties of ginkgo with colorful leaves, suitable for different types of gardens, and learn about the requirements of ginkgo in garden cultivation.
Japanese ginkgo biloba has very interesting foliage
Japanese ginkgo - description
The correct name for ginkgo biloba isginkgo biloba(Ginkgo biloba), also called ginkgo biloba.Other Chinese names for ginkgo are duck's paw, silver fruit, and grandfather and grandson tree (the tree is planted by the grandfather and only the grandson will eat the fruit from this tree).Japanese ginkgooccurs naturally in China, in the mountains of Zhejiang Province. Since the 11th century it has been cultivated in the North. China, Korea and Japan. Ginkgo belongs to the Ginkgo family - Ginkgopsida, of which the only representative is Japanese ginkgo. The rest of the plants in this family have become extinct, making ginkgo a relict and endemic species.
Japanese ginkgois a long-lived tree (lives up to 2000 years). In nature, it grows up to 40 m, and the diameter of its trunk reaches 4.5 m. In Poland it grows up to a maximum of 30 m in height.
Characteristic elements of eachGinkgo bilobaare leaves. They lie twisted on long shoots or in bunches on short shoots.Ginkgo leavesare seasonal - turn yellow in autumn and fall off. They have long petioles, the leaf blade is fan-shaped, usually indented in the middle.The innervation of each leaf is forked.
Ginkgo biloba flowersare dioecious, female with two ovaries, grow on a long peduncle in the axils of mature and lower leaves, male bind in cats. Ginkgo biloba is windproof. The fruit resembles a yellow, spherical plum. There is a stone seed in the center. The aril is fleshy, when it matures it becomes amber-yellow, the overripe is soft and foul-smelling due to the butyric acid content.
Fun fact. Overripe fruit becomes really foul-smelling. In nature, this is to lure animals that eat the seeds and contribute to their dispersal. It is worth knowing that the aril contains substances that irritate the skin - anacardic acid, which can cause dermatological ailments. It is worth remembering this when picking up a fruit or trying to get the seed out of it.
Japanese ginkgo - interesting varieties and their use
The enormous interest ingrowing ginkgoresulted in breeders obtaining new, interesting varieties of this plant.Currently, there are attractivevarieties of ginkgo bilobawith interestingly colored leaves and a lower growth force, which allows this species to be planted even in small gardens. Here are the most interestingginkgo varieties :
Japanese Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold'- a tree variety with a wide-conical shape. It is distinguished from the species by a beautiful golden-yellow discoloration of the leaves in the fall. This ginkgo variety does not produce seeds either, and therefore does not have the unpleasant odor emitted by ginkgo seeds.
Japanese Ginkgo 'Mariken'- a dwarf variety with a flat-spherical shape and fancifully corrugated leaves.
Japanese Ginkgo 'Pendula'- plants most often offered as ornamental shrubs grafted on a trunk, taking the form of short trees with shoots hanging downwards, forming a wide, umbrella-like crown. The height depends on the vaccination height, usually not higher than 2 m.
Japanese Ginkgo 'Variegata'- a variety of ginkgo with attractive leaves with striped, white-cream discoloration and a slow growth rate, after 10 years it reaches only 1 meter in height. Recommended for planting in small gardens and containers.
Japanese ginkgo - cultivation
Japanese ginkgois a tree that has gained popularity thanks to its decorative habit and easy cultivation.Ginkgo bilobalikes average soils, preferably deep, fertile and fresh, acidic to slightly acidic. It is frost-resistant (except for seedlings and young plants).
Growing ginkgo bilobashould take place in a sunny position. Ginkgo is resistant to air pollution, which makes it ideal for urban cultivation. It is virtually disease and pest free.
Ginkgo bilobagrows slowly and unevenly, sometimes during the year it may not even grow at all. Takes cut well. It has a strong, pile-like root system. It is best to replant it in the spring along with a lump of soil.
Ginkgo biloba propagationis possible by sowing seeds from ripe fruit into pots in an open inspection. Woody cuttings can also be rooting in summer. If we want to vaccinateJapanese ginkgoit should be done in winter.
Japanese ginkgo - healing properties
Japanese ginkgo bilobais valued not only for its decorative qualities, but alsohealing propertiesFor this reason, in France and In the United States, ginkgo biloba plantations were established, where tens of millions of these trees now grow there. Extract from the leaves is obtained from them. The active compounds contained in the leaves have a very strong influence on the work of the human brain and the circulatory system. They improve the blood supply to the brain, thanks to which the brain works more efficiently and makes the blood vessels more flexible. Ginkgo flavonoids slow down the degradation of brain cells. Other active substances improve the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain so that the impulse is not dispersed.Japanese ginkgoimproves our memory and concentration. It has a strong antioxidant effect.
Scientists propose regular use of 3 or 6-month treatments with ginkgo, followed by a one-year break. Especially after the age of 40, it is worth taking ginkgo, which will significantly improve the condition of our brain in old age.
Japanese ginkgois best used with a general decrease in body strength, migraines, balance disorders, problems with concentration and memory, Alzheimer's disease, heart weakness, cataracts, problems with impotence, after a heart attack or embolism, in old age and in dizziness. As you can see, thehealing properties of ginkgo bilobamake this plant very widely used in medicine.
Katarzyma Matuszak
