🌳 Oldest Tree On the Earth – Ginkgo biloba 🌍
When we think about the oldest living things on our planet, we often imagine giant tortoises, ancient coral reefs, or prehistoric fossils. But did you know that one of the most ancient and resilient l
Aditya Pandey
When we think about the oldest living things on our planet, we often imagine giant tortoises, ancient coral reefs, or prehistoric fossils. But did you know that one of the most ancient and resilient lifeforms is a tree that has stood the test of time for over 270 million years? Meet Ginkgo biloba – also known as the maidenhair tree – a living fossil and truly the oldest tree species on Earth. 🌿
🌱 What is Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. It’s often referred to as a “living fossil” because it has remained practically unchanged for millions of years. This tree can grow up to 35 meters tall and is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and golden-yellow color in the fall 🍂.
Native to China, Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of an ancient group of trees that date back to the age of dinosaurs 🦖. Fossils of Ginkgo leaves have been discovered that are almost identical to those of today’s trees – a true miracle of nature!
🕰️ A Journey Through Time: The History of Ginkgo
The history of Ginkgo biloba stretches back over 270 million years. That’s before the rise of flowering plants, mammals, or even birds. During the Jurassic period, ginkgos were widespread across the globe. However, most of the species disappeared during mass extinction events. Miraculously, a few managed to survive in remote parts of China, where they were cultivated and protected by Buddhist monks in temple gardens for centuries 🙏.
It wasn't until the 18th century that Ginkgo biloba was introduced to Europe and later to North America. Today, the tree can be found in urban landscapes, parks, and botanical gardens around the world 🌎.
🧬 A Living Fossil: Why Ginkgo is So Unique
Ginkgo biloba is considered a "living fossil" because its genetic makeup has remained nearly unchanged for millions of years. Unlike many other plants that have evolved or gone extinct, Ginkgo has persisted through climate shifts, natural disasters, and even atomic bombings.