Most of us are familiar with the Ginkgo tree, with its unique fan-shaped leaves. Our large ginkgo here at the Gardens is a bit over 40 years old, and provides stunning fall colour as this photo from early November shows.
Ginkgos sold in nurseries are typically male, and do not bear seeds or “fruit”. Decades ago, we bought a male for the Gardens… or so we thought. Imagine our surprise when some eagle-eyed visitors noticed orange, cherry-shaped “fruit” in early November amongst the yellow carpet of leaves that had fallen.
Sure enough, we found a few still hanging from the tree. These flesh covered seeds are not generally considered edible (although technically, parts of them are edible in moderation) and they smell like a cross between dog poop and vomit… a big reason why the males are sold commercially instead.
Since it takes a Ginkgo up to 30-40 years to reach maturity, one can remain under the assumption that they have a male tree until… well… THIS happens!
So stayed tuned next fall, and perhaps you can catch a look at this unique fruiting Ginkgo in the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.
Surprise!