Maidenhair tree
Maidenhair tree
Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), also known as ginkgo or ginkgo tree, is a species of tree native to China. It is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct.
Pronunciation
Maidenhair tree: /ˈmeɪdənˌhɛər triː/
Etymology
The term "Maidenhair tree" is a translation of its Chinese name, which refers to the resemblance of its leaves to the pinnae of the maidenhair fern, Adiantum. The genus name Ginkgo is derived from the Japanese word 'ginkyo', which means "silver apricot", referring to the tree's fruit.
Description
The Maidenhair tree is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-35 m tall. The leaves are unique among seed plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade. The tree is dioecious, with separate sexes, some trees being female and others being male.
Uses
The leaves of the Maidenhair tree are used in traditional Chinese medicine and in dietary supplements. The seeds are also edible and are used in Asian cuisine.
Related terms
- Deciduous: Referring to trees or shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally.
- Dioecious: A term for a plant species in which male and female reproductive structures are found on separate individuals.
- Traditional Chinese medicine: A style of traditional medicine based on more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Maidenhair tree
- Wikipedia's article - Maidenhair tree
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