Pollinator for Ginkgo Biloba

For understanding the complex procedure of pollination; it is very important to first understand the structure of the sperms, ovum and the embryo. Ginkgo Biloba trees grow dioeciously hence making male and females grow separately.

Ovum/Ovule:

 The female tree produces ovules in pairs on stalks. Ginkgo Biloba seedlings are open (naked) as it is classified as a gymnosperm. The Ginkgo Biloba seed has silvery coating. The Ginkgo Biloba seed’s fleshy seed-coat has a disagreeable odor similar to that of a rancid butter when it decays and fall to the ground.

Each ovule contain an egg cell which appear very green at the onset but eventually changes its color from greenish-yellow to finally orange and brown. These ovules can take up to 20-35 years to appear. They appear in spring because the sunny position makes them more reliable.

Sperms:

The sperms appear in forms of cones. These pollen cones are more or less similar to catkin which contains the sperms of the male tree also grow on spring after 20-35 years. The sperm are large almost about 250-300 micro meters.

The sperms have complex multi-layered structure, which is a continuous belt of basal bodies that form the base of several thousand flagella which actually have a cilia-like motion. The flagella/cilia apparatus pulls the body of the sperm forwards.

Pollination:

Pollination is made possible by the wind. The actual fertilization of Ginkgo Biloba seed occurs on the tree. Being male and female on the separate plants it is very necessary for them to be in near vicinity for a successful fertilization. There are very rare chances of pollination by means of insects and birds.

When the fertilization is done; which happens to be on the tree, the embryo falls off and is taken to a distinct place wherever the wind takes it, and is planted over there. Though the natural cycle is very demanding as it takes at least 25 to 30 years for the male and female plant to get mature and start producing gametophytes.

Though once it has its roots in the earth it is very unlikely for it to die a natural death. But once the plant is grown, it is very easy to maintain it. It is not a demanding plant. Resistant to extreme temperatures makes it survive in snow as well as in heat where the metal could melt. Its strong roots and strong stem helps him to stand tall in the winds and hurricanes.

If it can survive after an atom bomb attack in Hiroshima than it can survive any where!!! Its stem has some significant components and properties that make it resistant to plant diseases and insects to damage it.

Ginkgo Biloba is widely cultivated these days in China, Japan, Korea, Germany and United States of America. Many other European countries are taking wide interest in this Ginkgo Biloba tree and are advancing the methods for its easy cultivation and are planning to make Ginkgo gardens; so that humans can take maximum benefits out of this tree.