Genus of one species of deciduous, dioecious (coniferous) tree from South China, extinct in the wild but preserved as an ornamental tree particularly in Temple gardens in China and Japan. The ginkgo is very distinct in that though it is a conifer, it has leaves rather than the needles or scales commonly associated with dioecious trees. Its leaves are flat and fan-shaped up to 10cm across, mid-to yellow / green turning briefly to a butter yellow colour before leaf-fall. Mature specimens can reach heights of 30metres and have been known to reach ages of 1000years or more. Ginkgos produce unpleasant-smelling fleshy fruit, that contain edible nuts.

The picture to the right shows the 1000 year old ginkgo at Sendai, Japan. The growths that can be seen growing from the trunk are called 'chi chi' and only occur on very old ginkgos.

Examples of ginkgo leaves; the green Summer colour and the yellow Autumn colour.

Bonsai cultivation notes

Position Full sun. Protect during winter frosts, particularly the roots which have a high moisture content and can burst in temperatures below approx.-5°C.

Watering Ginkgos require thorough watering but should not be grown in waterlogged compost. Keep on the dry side during winter to avoid frost damage to over wet roots.

Feeding Every two weeks through the growing season

Repotting As buds extend in early spring annually until tree is ten years old then every second or third year. Repot in basic soil mix

Pruning Prune new growth through growing season, cut back branches in Autumn after leaf fall. ginkgos do not callus over cuts and heal so large cuts should be avoided where possible particularly those made at the front.

Propagation Seed outside as soon as ripe, semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Air-layering in Spring after first flush of growth has hardened off.

Pests and diseases Trouble free

Styles Ginkgos have a very narrow upright habit, for this reason are normally seen as informal and formal uprights with upswept branches in medium to large sizes.