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Ginkgo
biloba- Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgoaceae)
This plant was known only from fossil collections before it
was discovered live in China. Members of this order arose in
the Permian and were common in the Mesozoic, but most became
extinct in the Cretaceous. This gymnosperm, deciduous and dioecious
tree grows to 120 feet tall. Branches are dimorphic and the leaves
are dichotomously veined. Fruits have a bad odor and are yellowish
after ripening. Separation of seedling sexes can not be done
until they bloom in 20 years or more. Seed kernels are widely
eaten in the orient. (Note: Ginkgo has flagellated
sperm that are released inside the pollen tube- a strange combination
of primitive and advanced characters!).
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