shopping Ginkgo - two varieties
Ginkgo leaf, c/s image
[ 1346 ]Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo Leaf Cut & Sifted

1/4 Pound:  $4.21 Pound:  $9.36 
Ginkgo leaf, powder image
[ 206 ]Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo Leaf Powder

1/4 Pound:  $4.48 Pound:  $9.95 
We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

Wholesale Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba
plant overview
gingko, a living fossil

Ginkgo is the oldest known surviving species of tree in the world, which earns the distinction of being a living fossil. Remarkably, every species of tree, including ginkgo, was wiped out during the last glacial age, with the exception of a gingko tree in China. As a further testament of resilience, ginkgo was the only living specimen left standing after the atomic bomb was detonated in Hiroshima. Ginkgo leaf has a long history of use in producing teas and liquid extracts. The dried ginkgo leaf is also commonly encapsulated as a dietary supplement.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information for ginkgo

description
Ginkgos are large trees in the Ginkgoaceae family, normally reaching a height of 20–35 m (66–115 feet), with some specimens in China being over 50 m (164 feet).

The tree has an angular crown and long, somewhat erratic branches, and is usually deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. Young trees are often tall and slender, and sparsely branched; the crown becomes broader as the tree ages. During autumn, the leaves turn a bright yellow, then fall, sometimes within a short space of time (one to 15 days).

Ginkgo branches grow in length by growth of shoots with regularly spaced leaves, as seen on most trees. From the axils of these leaves, "spur shoots" (also known as short shoots) develop on second-year growth. Short shoots have very short internodes (so they may grow only one or two centimeters in several years) and their leaves are usually not lobed. They are short and knobby, and are arranged regularly on the branches except on first-year growth. Because of the short internodes, leaves appear to be clustered at the tips of short shoots, and reproductive structures are formed only on them.

The leaves are unique among seed plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade, sometimes bifurcating (splitting) to form a network. Two veins enter the leaf blade at the base and fork repeatedly in two; this is known as dichotomous venation.

Ginkgos are dioecious, with separate sexes, some trees being female and others being male. Male plants produce small pollen cones with sporophylls, each bearing two microsporangia spirally arranged around a central axis. Female plants do not produce cones. Two ovules are formed at the end of a stalk, and after pollination, one or both develop into seeds.

A combination of resistance to disease, insect-resistant wood and the ability to form aerial roots and sprouts makes ginkgos long-lived, with some specimens claimed to be more than 2,500 years old.

common names & nomenclature
The common name maidenhair tree is because the leaves resemble the pinnae of the maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris. The specific epithet biloba derived from the Latin bis, 'two' and loba, 'lobed', referring to the shape of the leaves.

Also known as:
bal guo, maidenhair tree

Ginkgo, a living fossil

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for ginkgo

The ginkgo is a living fossil, very similar to fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated and was introduced early to human history.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting ginkgo

climate
Ginkgo shows a preference for disturbed sites; in Tian Mu Shan, many specimens are found along stream banks, rocky slopes, and cliff edges.

soil
Ginkgo grows best in rich, sandy soils that are well-watered and well-drained.

growing
Sow ginkgo seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a sheltered outdoor bed. Transplant seedlings into individual pots and grow on for a year, plant out in the spring of the following year.

harvesting
The leaves are best harvested in the late summer or early autumn just before they begin to change color. They are dried for later use, cut into smaller pieces or ground into powder.

preserving
Store dried ginkgo leaf (as pieces or powder) in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

ginkgo history, folklore, literature & more

staying focused and alert with ginkgo
For thousands of years Ginkgo biloba has been used to treat problems with the lungs and heart. However, for the last few decades, ginkgo has made resurgence because of information about how it works in the body.

Ginkgo is used for many important health conditions that are often associated with aging. In fact, there are so many uses for ginkgo that you’ll certainly want to try it for yourself. Ginkgo is often used for a wide variety of symptoms and to prevent a wide spectrum of problems.

If you’re concerned about memory loss and even developing Alzheimer’s disease, ginkgo may be a good solution for you. There’s been a lot of research surrounding the herb and it’s been found to actually help improve the blood flow to the brain. Because it helps to make sure that nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the brain and the rest of the nervous system, it works to help keep this system healthy.

Ginkgo is thought to help improve memory and concentration and even help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Taking it regularly can actually help you to prevent these problems before they become a part of your life.

And because they help with circulation, the chemicals in ginkgo also help to improve the health of the heart. It can help to treat irregular heartbeats, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and prevent both heart disease and stroke in people who take it regularly.

It can also help with sexual dysfunction because it helps to improve circulation. Circulatory and blood flow problems are often to blame for problems with the reproductive organs.

If you’re looking for a remedy for eye problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, ginkgo can also help to prevent and treat those by improving circulation in these areas as well.

Ginkgo is great for improving focus and keeping your memory alert and functioning. But you shouldn’t forget about all of the other things it can do for your body. Ginkgo is available in powder and leaf form. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when taking it to get the dosing just right.

With all of the stress in the world, ginkgo can give you some peace of mind. It will help to slow the aging process and protect your heart and brain from some of the damage done in the natural aging process. You can stay literally young at heart by making it a part of your routine.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.