The ginkgo tree is a botanical survivor that has outlived millions of years of change.

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Often called a living fossil, the ginkgo is the sole survivor of an ancient order of plants that once thrived during the Permian Period. While its relatives vanished, this resilient gymnosperm endured, eventually becoming a staple of temple gardens and a subject of intense scientific study regarding its evolutionary history.

The ginkgo tree, or Ginkgo biloba, represents a singular lineage in the plant kingdom. As the only living member of the order Ginkgoales, it is a relic of a time when its ancestors dominated the landscape. Fossil records indicate that similar plants existed as far back as the Permian Period, roughly 270 to 298 million years ago. Despite its ancient origins, the species is currently classified as endangered within its native Chinese habitat, even as it remains widely cultivated across the globe for its ornamental beauty and hardiness.

Physically, the ginkgo is distinct. It is a deciduous gymnosperm, meaning it lacks flowers and fruits, instead producing seeds on separate male and female trees. The female trees produce plum-like seeds that are notorious for a pungent, rancid odor when ripe, which can create a slippery mess on sidewalks. This smell often deters gardeners from planting female specimens, despite the tree's remarkable ability to withstand urban pollution and cold weather—traits that make it a popular choice for city landscapes where other species might struggle.

The tree's status as a living fossil stems from its slow rate of evolution and its morphological consistency over millions of years. While researchers have debated its exact placement in the tree of life, recent studies often link it closely to cycads. Its survival strategy may have been rooted in a preference for disturbed streamside environments, a niche it occupied long before flowering plants emerged. Today, the ginkgo is valued in traditional medicine and has been the subject of extensive research into its potential cognitive benefits, though clinical evidence for these health claims remains a subject of significant scientific skepticism.

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