• Common name: Tree of the Pagodas/Tree of the 40 shields
• Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba, L.
• Honoris Causa: Manfred Eigen (07/10/1997)
• Honoris Causa: Friedrich Wilhem Eigler (01/26/2001)
• Honoris Causa: Luís García Berlanga (04/10/2002)
• Honoris Causa: Joan Manuel Serrat i Teresa (06/21/2010)

ORIGIN: It comes from China, where it is considered a sacred tree.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Its leaves are deciduous.
• Its growth is extremely slow, and there are male and female trees.

INTERESTING FACTS:

• The ginkgo is considered the oldest living plant species in the world.
• Botanically, it is highly valued for being one of the plants that has remained unchanged for the longest time through geological eras, earning it the nickname “living fossil.”
• Its seeds have a very unpleasant odor; if you want to plant one in your garden, choose a male specimen.
• It contains numerous chemical compounds with medicinal applications useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, memory loss, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, multiple sclerosis, and other dysfunctions.

USES:

• ORNAMENTAL: A tree of great beauty, both for its form and its leaves and seasonal changes.
• MEDICINAL: It is used for these purposes, especially the leaves and seeds.