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Ginkgo
Taxonomy
Binomial name is Ginkgo Biloba
Belongs to Ginkgoaceae Family
Classification:
Kingdom Plantae -- Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta -- Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta -- Seed plants
Division/phylum Ginkgophyta -- Ginkgo
Class Ginkgoopsida
Order Ginkgoales
Family Ginkgoaceae -- Ginkgo family
Genus Ginkgo L.
The only living representative of the order Ginkgoales is the Ginkgo biloba.
Source: National PLANTS Database -USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database,
Version 3.1
Morphology
Dioecious, male and female trees are separate
The pollen and ovules grow on the short spurts,
seldom leaves
Upon fertilization, the ovules develop into
yellowish, plum like seeds containing a large nut
and fleshy outer layer
Presence of butyric acid
Main components are flavonoids and gingkolides
The flavonoids have antioxidant properties
The gingkolides inhibit platelets in the blood from
coagulating
Morphology
Usually 20-35 meters in height
Angular crown and long branches
Usually deep rooted
Oldest living species of tree
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/thetree.htm
Distribution & Habitat
Found in temperate and subtropical climates
Prefers sunlight and moist soils but adaptable
Ginkgo grows from late May to August
Fertilize 1-2 times a year.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/thetree.htm
History
During the 11th century
(Sung dynasty) gingko
appeared in Chinese
literature as a plant native
to eastern China
The earliest use as a
medicine was mentioned in
the Chinese Materia
Medica by Shen Nung Pen
Tsao Ching as an aid for
blood circulation
Ginkgo-seeds were
brought to Europe in the
early 1700's and America
later that century.
In the late 1950s western
medicine began to study
gingko’s medicinal uses.
Uses
Medicinal
Ginkgo extract has three
effects on the human
body
Culinary
Ginkgo nuts are often
served at special
occasions
1.
2.
3.
It improves blood flow to
the tissues and organs
It protects against
oxidative cell damage
from free radicals
It blocks many of the
effects of PAF (platelet
aggregation, blood
clotting) that is related to
the development of
cardiovascular, renal,
and respiratory
disorders.
Harvesting
Takes place in the fall
Leaves removed from branches and
dried at 105º-110ºF about 12 to 14
hours
A this point their should be no flexibility
in the leaf and they should have a crinkly
feel
Package the dried leaves and store in a
cool, dry, and dark place
Summary
Ginkgo biloba, commonly called
ginkgo, is a dioecious tree from China
In traditional Chinese medicine it was
used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and
various brain disorders
In modern medicine it is used to treat
memory loss, circulatory and immune
system problems
References
www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab/ncmedicinalh
erbs
www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/history.htm
www.anmp.org/inpr/gingko_html/gink_che
m_fr.html
www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/thetree.htm