Ginkgo biloba (seedling)

(Aha, I finally "get" the scientific name! The leaves are "bi-lobed"!)

From Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=267947&isprofile=0& » “Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous conifer (a true gymnosperm) that matures to 100' tall. It is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 150 million years ago. It features distinctive two-lobed, somewhat leathery, fan-shaped, rich green leaves with diverging (almost parallel) veins. Leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Ginkgo trees are commonly called maidenhair trees in reference to the resemblance of their fan-shaped leaves to maidenhair fern leaflets (pinnae). Ginkgos are dioecious (separate male and female trees). Nurseries typically sell only male trees (fruitless), because female trees produce seeds encased in fleshy, fruit-like coverings which, at maturity in autumn, are messy and emit a noxious, foul odor upon falling to the ground and splitting open.”

Regarding the beautiful, bright yellow leaves in autumn, see JanetB's post for today, http://365project.org/janetb/365/2015-11-20

Species page at PhytoImages, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Ginkgo_biloba&rank=binomial

Photo taken at SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

1 year ago (“Lipstick plant”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-11-20
2 years ago (“Identity in flux…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-11-20
3 years ago (“Wall shadows”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-11-20
4 years ago (“Bleak?”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-11-20

[ IMG_7366S12x9Utm :: f/16 :: 1/30" :: ISO-800 :: 60mm ]

[Janet B.]

What promise there is in this little seedling, Thom! Love the unique shape of gingko leaves, and this looks like a very healthy specimen. Thanks for providing the interesting information about this interesting species; and thanks for referencing my photo of the bright, yellow gingko leaves on the railroad tracks. :-)

[Thom Mitchell]

@janetb One of my "haunts" for photos (and learning) is the Plant Biology Greenhouse on the university campus from which I am a retired professor. I have enjoyed getting to know the director, which adds a human component to my visits! Click on my "siuc-greenhouse" tag to see all the plants I have photo'ed there! While being in a greenhouse with a full-time director doesn't guarantee that the specimens will be immune from bugs and disease, the odds are definitely better!

[Janet B.]

@rhoing I just spent some very enjoyable time browsing your siuc-greenhouse tag as you suggested. That's quite a wonderful collection of images! You have a great eye for capturing the tiniest amazing details of the plants in the greenhouse. How fortunate you are to have access to both the greenhouse and the director! I can definitely see why you love spending time there surrounded by such incredible beauty.