Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Fan-shaped (flabellate), typically featuring a central cleft that divides the leaf into two lobes, giving the species its name biloba.
Margin
Entire, though the upper outer edge is often wavy or notched with shallow to deep clefts.
Arrangement
Alternate, typically clustered in groups of three to five on short, spur-like shoots along the twigs.
Venation
Dichotomous venation, where veins fan out continuously from the base and fork into pairs repeatedly without forming a network.
Key Features
Unmistakable fan-shaped leaves with dichotomous venation and a distinct central cleft, combined with short spur shoots on the branches.
Description
The Ginkgo is a magnificent, resilient deciduous tree famous for its unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant, uniform golden-yellow in late autumn. It has a stately, upright form when young, spreading out broadly with age. Often called a living fossil, it is the sole surviving species in its entire taxonomic order.
Habitat
Thrives in urban environments due to high tolerance for pollution and compacted soils. Naturally grows in moist, well-drained soils in temperate zones with full sun exposure.
Native Range
Native to China (specifically Zhejiang province), but widely cultivated as an ornamental and street tree across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.