Ginkgo

Ginkgo (latin: ginkgo biloba) originates and most widespread in South-Eastern China. Most Ginkgos grow to be 20-30 meters high, and has a spread of 25-35 meters. Ginkgos have a medium growth rate, and requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth. They grow in grows in acidic, alkaline, drought tolerant, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well drained, wet, wide range, clay soils. Ginkgos have a pyramidal and rounded shape. They are small Ginkgo forests throughout China, Japan and Korea. It bears its fruit between June and July. Ginkgos are being planted in traditional Chinese gardens for thousands of years, and as such, they are considered to be the oldest living tree species on earth. Ginkos spread to Japan through buddhist monks, who carried the seeds of the trees with them to the island country. The first man to describe and record Gingkgos was a swedish man, Carl Linneaus. In his 1771 botanical work, he used the japanese name of the tree, ginkyo. Ginko trees are being used for over a thousand years in China, however it has only spread to North America about 200 years ago. The first introduction of Ginkgo trees to the United States was in 1784. It gained such a popularity in the USA, that now virtually all major cities in the country have Ginkgos. The first European to discover the tree was a german botanist, who encountered in inthe garden of a japanese buddhist temple. This german botanist was called Engelbert Kaempfer. The tree has a significant role in Buddhism and Confucianism. During autumn, the leaves turn a bright yellow, then fall, sometimes within a short space of time (1–15 days). Since Ginkgos are very resistant to deseases and pollution, and can adapt well to urban conditions. They tend to live very long, in many cases thousands of years. As a result they are planted along street throughout the far east, most notably in the presviously mentioned countries. The tree itself and its leaves are the symbol of cities and a number of institutions. After the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 on Hiroshima 4 Ginkgo trees survived 1-2 km from the site of the explosion, whereas virtually all other living organisms were destroyed in the area. Ginkgos are also favoured plants of penjings, and bonsais, the traditional chinese and japanes gardens. Studies show that pharmaceuticals made from Ginkgos help cure dementia and have a positive affect on patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Furthermore, they improve mental concentration and memory. Tests show that extracts from the tree improve blood circulation, most particularly in capillaries. Pharmaceuticals’ side effects made from Ginkgos are the following: increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness. Tea is made from Ginkgos.