Cultural Extension of Ginkgo biloba L. in Slovakia

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba L. is the oldest species of tree on our planet. It is a dioecious species characterized by exceptional resistance to climate change and natural influences, which predetermines it as a suitable species for urban planting. Not to be overlooked is the ginkgo benefit in terms of the medical effects of leaf metabolites. Due to its aesthetic value ginkgo is becoming popular in family gardens. The aim of our research was the evidence and description of ginkgo trees in Slovakia. The study presents the completion of data on the cultural distribution of this tree. We confirmed the occurrence on more than one hundred localities (103 localities). Some previously registered localities (18) were not found, or trees were felled for various reasons (5). We evaluated the basic dendrometric and growth parameters of the oldest ginkgo trees (aged 242 -111 years), found in 35 localities of Slovakia. The presented research results bring several new information concerning the tree gender determination, tree habitus, phenological rhythm of development and others. Morphologically interesting solitary trees, including trees with shoots known as lignotubers or "basal chichi" (locality Hajná Nová Ves), or the occurrence of fruits on the leaves, referred to as cv. Ohatsuki (Lučenec) are described and documented by photos.

Investigation of a Perspective Urban Tree Species, Ginkgo biloba L., by Scientific Analysis of Historical Old Specimens

“…Since the "Budapest" specimen is located in the Botanical Garden of the Eötvös Loránd University, which is nowadays close to the center of the city of Budapest-a densely populated area-the microenvironment is affected by constant heavy traffic and air pollution, as well as other urban effects such as heat emission. Although the urban effect is reflected in the health of the tree, this result also correlates with the Razna et al [11] results on urban stress tolerance, thus indicating that the species is highly resilient to extreme environmental factors. The stomatal number and length values could partially indicate the genetic diversity of the trees, since their measurements are not inversely proportional to each other, as the previously mentioned literature suggests (Figure 8).…”

“…One of the defining characteristics of Ginkgo biloba is that it is dioecious, but it is also capable of sexual switching, and this–among other characteristics–allows it to have a higher tolerance towards extreme conditions, such as a change in climate or habitat conditions [ 11 ]. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely used street trees in settlements in temperate areas of the world [ 12 ].…”

Biflavonoids: Important Contributions to the Health Benefits of Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)

“…Mature ginkgo trees typically reach a height of 20 to 40 m and a trunk diameter of one to four meters [ 20 ]. They form two types of shoots: long shoots with widely spaced leaves and axillary buds, and short shoots with clustered leaves with no internodes nor axillary buds.…”