A Gymnosperm, Ginkgo is a member of Class Ginkgopsida, Family Ginkgoacaea, Genus Ginkgo , and Species biloba. Ginkgo is oppositely branched with small simple leaves, having double fan-like appearance, and dichotomous veination. The stem contains little pith, a narrow cortex, and extensive xylem for water uptake.
Ginkgo distribution is varied greatly solely due to planting and cultivation.
It is used widely as an ornamental tree for city streets and yards. Ginkgo used to occur naturally in Asia, especially near China and the Yangtze River, but no natural stands are known to still be growing. However, genera related Ginkgo used to occur naturally and quite abundantly all across the Northern Hemisphere, all the way back to the geologic Permian Period, about 280 million years ago. Ginkgo is dioecious, having specimens of only male or female plants. The male plant has a staminate spur shoot.