The Geological History of the Maidenhair Tree and its Allies

Abstract

IT is probably true to say that Oinkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, is the most interesting and impressive link with the past in the plant kingdom. Does it still exist as a wild tree? Most botanists would probably answer that far-travelled plant collectors in China have never seen a maidenhair tree growing under conditions in which man was not involved. It would, however, be rash definitely to assert that the question is settled. In 1933, a Chinese botanist, W. C. Cheng1, after recording the occurrence of Ginlcgo in certain localities in the Chekiang province, added: “This tree is very common in Tienmu-Shan, growing in association with coniferous and broad-leaved trees. It seems to grow spontaneously in that resgion.” The word “seems” implies a lack of conviction. It may still be true to say that GinJcgo would have ceased to exist centuries ago had not man adopted it as an object of religious veneration and carefully tended it in the groves of temples and other favoured places.