Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba
In the Malatesta botanical garden at Villa Miralfiore stands a fascinating Ginkgo biloba, known for its fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn.
Originally from China and introduced to Europe in the 18th century, the Ginkgo is valued for its beauty and extraordinary resilience. Known as a living fossil, this tree symbolizes strength and longevity.
There are male and female ginkgo trees. Female ginkgo trees produce seeds covered in a yellow, plum-like flesh that ripens in the fall. When they fall to the ground, they give off a really bad smell.
Even though the ginkgo has broad leaves like deciduous trees, such as the linden, it belongs to the Gymnosperms (plants that produce seeds not protected by an ovary). This makes it more closely related to conifers, like pines and firs. In the fall, its leaves turn golden yellow and then drop to the ground.