Origin
The Ginkgo biloba, also known as the Japanese nut tree or temple tree, is a unique tree species known as a 'living fossil'. This refers to the fact that taxonomically it forms an entire division on its own and has no close living relatives. It is generally believed that the species first originated in China 270 million years ago.

Characteristics
The Ginkgo biloba is characterized by its leaf shape and growth shape. The leaf is fan-shaped and generally consists of 5 to 8 green lobes. The tree has a narrow ascending growth habit and can grow to a height of 30-40 meters. The trunk is often irregularly shaped and becomes deeply grooved at a later age. In addition, the tree is dioecious, meaning there are both male and female trees.

Care
The Ginkgo biloba is an easy to maintain plant. The tree is remarkably tolerant of air pollution and weather extremes, which makes it thrive in a variety of environments. The soil must be well-draining, and the tree prefers full sun but can also grow well in semi-shade. Lastly, the Ginkgo biloba is not particularly affected by diseases or pests, and therefore does not require specific care regarding protection against these factors.