Dinosaurs have become extinct from the earth, but this tree has survived for millions of years.

 

Millions of years ago, the earth was ruled by dreaded creatures, whom you know as dinosaurs. They were so huge that when they ran in groups, even the earth would tremble. It is said that these 'giant' creatures were destroyed after a meteorite hit them. Centuries have passed, but a species of tree is still present on earth from the dinosaur era till today. Let us know about this tree.

Here we are talking about Ginkgo biloba, which is one of the oldest living tree species present on earth. It is among the group of ancient trees which have existed since the time of dinosaurs. Those creatures, which used to roam the earth six and a half million years ago.

is called 'living fossil'

Ginkgo Biloba is so ancient that it is known as a 'living fossil'. Fossils of its leaves have been found to be more than 200 million years old. They are almost identical to the leaves of today's maidenhair tree. However, this Ginkgo biloba is now a single species. It is the only member of its genus (Ginkgo), which is the only genus in its family (Ginkgoaceae).

Where can you see these trees?

Ginkgo biloba and other species of the genus were once widespread throughout the world. But in the last two decades there has been a huge decline in them. It was believed that this tree became extinct in the forest. But now it is a common tree grown in East China, Korea and Japan.

considered endangered

Ginkgo biloba is considered endangered under the Red List criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). At the same time, the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered Method (EDGE) has given it high priority conservation status. After this comes the maidenhair tree. According to the IUCN Red List assessment, species are ranked based on their evolutionary distinctiveness and risk of extinction.

Herbal remedies also used

According to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Ginkgo biloba is also used in herbal remedies. It is the fourth most commonly used herbal remedy in the US, accounting for 4.3% of herbal sales in 2001. However, several review articles have suggested that it may increase the risk of bleeding. According to mayoclinic.org, the most helpful components of Ginkgo Biloba are believed to be flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant properties.