Tree of Life

I thought I’d start with my favourite species of tree … that didn’t sound as geeky in my head!! Ginkgo biloba (a.k.a the Ginkgo tree or Maidenhair tree). There are many reasons that make this tree so unique, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is that it is the oldest living species of tree on the planet.

The Gingko family can be traced back to the Permian era; around 270 million years ago (even before the dinosaurs!). These fossil specimens appear very similar to modern Gingko biloba, which can itself be dated back to the Eocene (56 million years ago). To survive so long means the Ginkgo must be tough - it’s commonly planted in towns across the world as it can withstand droughts, ice, pollution and other harsh conditions associated with city-living. The hardiness of the tree means that some individuals can live to extreme ages, with reports of some trees living as long as 2,500 years. In fact Gingko trees are so sturdy that they were one of the few species that survived the atomic bomb of Hiroshima.  

The leaves of the Gingko tree look strange compared to those of other trees. With a little imagination they resemble the hemisphere of a brain lobe (hence biloba). The leaves have been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat asthmas, coughs and inflammation. Recent studies into the effects of chemical compounds found within the leaves (named Ginkgolides) have show that they increase blood flow to the brain, aiding oxygen transportation - which could potentially improve brain functioning and memory. The same compounds have also been used to help achieve and maintain erections in men.  

Well travelled, strong and brainy … not bad for a tree =)