The Gingko or maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba, is the sole surviving species of a group of Gymnosperms that flourished during the Mesozoic period (248 - 65million years ago), the time when dinosaurs existed. This tree can have a lifespan as long as 1,000 years.

It is the only living gymnosperm (which includes pines, firs, and spruces) that sheds its leaves during the fall. These leaves are simple, broad, fan-shaped leaves (2-3 1/2" wide), with veins radiating fan-like from the stem. They turn bright yellow in autumn. The fruits are plum like, about 1", and orange-yellow when ripe. The thin, pulpy flesh encloses a large white seed. These seeds are round and smooth and have been used for food and drugs in Asia; however, the pulp gives off a foul odor as it disintegrates. This is why female trees are avoided for planting if possible. Trees are either male or female, a condition termed dioecious. Tree can attain a height of 100 to 122 feet with a girth of 3 to 4 feet. In the Unites States, herbal supplements of Ginkgo biloba are sold as memory-boosters and "longevity" pills. The medicinal components of ginkgo are the dried leaves, the seeds separated from their fleshy outer layer, and the fresh leaves. The flavonoids in ginkgo act as free radical scavengers, while the gingkoglides inhibit platelet-activating factor. Various studies have been conducted on the pharmacological actions of ginkgo including treatments for cerebral insufficiency, dementia, memory, circulatory disorders, tinnitus and asthma. Ginkgo is also recognized for its neuroprotective and antioxidant capabilities. At this time, ginkgo leaf extracts are among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France.

Ginkgo are not native to North America, rather they are indigenous to China, Japan, and Korea, where they may still exist in remote mountainous parts. Today the tree is often planted in cities because of its remarkable resistance to urban smog and to insect pests.

The Gingko tree is known as the lone-ranger because its order has only one family, and the family has only one genus, and the genus has only one species. Even though it is a solitary type of tree, the Gingko has been around since the age of the dinosaurs.