Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo Bilboa

Benjamin Franklin College, Stone Courtyard
Basic Information
Tree ID: 
132
Family: 
Genus and species: 
Variety: 
G. Bilboa
Description: 
My window looks right onto the fullest part of this tree and I have lived in rooms that surround this courtyard for most of my Yale Undergraduate time. It has been lovely to see it grow into the magnificent tree we see today.
Surveyors: 
Abigail Eswarakumar
Location
Collected Data
Tree shape: 
Columnar
Date of tree entry: 
04/26/2021
Height: 
8.83 m
Diameter at breast height: 
0.17 m

Bark
Twigs & branches
Foilage
Reproductive Structures
Female reproductive structures, ovules can be seen, Ginkgos are dioecious, this is a female tree.
Fruit
Seasons
  • Early Spring
  • Early Spring
  • Early Spring
  • Early Summer
  • Late Summer, Example Image
Research
Habitat: 
Originally adapted to grow by streams and prefers well draining soil with medium water. 2 species grow in two northern Hemisphere. Adapts well to urban environments because its low maintenance (water-wise) and can survive well in most soils. Enjoys having lots of bright sunshine.
Origin, history, and uses: 

Originated 290 million years ago. Known as a “living fossil tree.” Described as an “ecological paradox” because it survived really well despite being slow growing, producing large seeds, and reaching reproductive maturity late. Used in 15th century Chinese Folk medicine and now taken as a dietary supplement. No proven health benefits.

Phenology: 
Blooming season is in April or May depending on how harsh the previous winter was. Leaves turn yellow in the fall. This is also the season where fruits or cones will drop to the ground. Leaves will fall and tree will be bear by early November, dependent on climate in previous seasons of course.
References: 

Mustoe, G.E. (2002). “Eocene Ginkgo leaf fossils from the Pacific Northwest”. Canadian Journal of Botany. 80 (10): 1078–1087. Company, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. “The American Heritage Dictionary entry: ginkgo”. “Ginkgo Tree”. www.bio.brandeis.edu. Retrieved 18 July 2016. “Ginkgo ‘living fossil’ genome decoded”. BBC News. 21 November 2016.

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Media and Arts
Shrub Canopy Area: 
1.49sq.m.