Cultural Extension of Ginkgo biloba L. in Slovakia

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba L. is the oldest species of tree on our planet. It is a dioecious species characterized by exceptional resistance to climate change and natural influences, which predetermines it as a suitable species for urban planting. Not to be overlooked is the ginkgo benefit in terms of the medical effects of leaf metabolites. Due to its aesthetic value ginkgo is becoming popular in family gardens. The aim of our research was the evidence and description of ginkgo trees in Slovakia. The study presents the completion of data on the cultural distribution of this tree. We confirmed the occurrence on more than one hundred localities (103 localities). Some previously registered localities (18) were not found, or trees were felled for various reasons (5). We evaluated the basic dendrometric and growth parameters of the oldest ginkgo trees (aged 242 – 111 years), found in 35 localities of Slovakia. The presented research results bring several new information concerning the tree gender determination, tree habitus, phenological rhythm of development and others. Morphologically interesting solitary trees, including trees with shoots known as lignotubers or “basal chichi” (locality Hajná Nová Ves), or the occurrence of fruits on the leaves, referred to as cv. Ohatsuki (Lučenec) are described and documented by photos.