Bluespruce's Blog
Bluespruce's Blog
GINKGO - classification
Posted on 17 Mar, 2008 17 comments
Ginkgo biloba is no longer classified as a conifer, it’s claim to such was always a bit tenuous. It is unique, niether a conifer or a broad leaf tree. In recent years research suggests it is related closer to the cycads than it is to conifers. So just to clarify, the three deciduous conifer genus are, Larix, Taxodium, and Metasequoia.
Just for a bit of added interest (I hope!) the photos below are of a new Ginkgo cultivar I discovered and propagated from a witches’ broom growing in an otherwise normal tree at a place called Everton, which is very near to Lymington in Hampshire, the name I gave this plant… surprise! surprise! is Ginkgo biloba ‘Everton Broom’. My original plant now measures about 100cms x 75 cms after five years. 
Ginkgo biloba ‘Everton Broom’ in mid summer last year.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Everton Broom’ showing good autumn colour in late November last year.
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Comments
17 Mar, 2008
I have deleted the only photo that did show from my photo page, and now it has disappeared from my blog, a complete mess! I will not be doing this again !
17 Mar, 2008
Hi Bluespruce, I have taken the liberty of fixing the photos above. Hope you don't mind. The photo insertion into blogs is definitely on our long list of things to improve.
17 Mar, 2008
Thanks, Ajay, it's very much appreciated, I was very near to throwing my computer out of the window!
17 Mar, 2008
Thanks for the update on Ginkgos. They are fascinating trees. It's my ambition to get one. My hubby is waiting to find a cheap one on special offer somewhere.
17 Mar, 2008
Wonderful looking Ginko, thank you for posting. I'm trying to grow some Ginkgo biloba from seed at the moment. Have had no luck so far. I think the ginkgo is such a beautiful and interesting plant. I was warned that some of the seeds might be female and bear smelly fruits when they mature. Do you know if your discovered plant is male/female yet? Do you have plans to propogate it I wonder...
17 Mar, 2008
If this is a sport will sexual propagation be possible? Aren't these spontaneous mutations asexual?
17 Mar, 2008
Don't give up on the Blogs with photos, Bluespruce - I do know it's frustrating as I often post a Blog (hope you read them!) but this one was interesting and the photos were necessary and lovely.
17 Mar, 2008
Thanks Lori, you may be right. I was just rambling really, as usual!
17 Mar, 2008
What a cracking plant. Another one for my 'wants' list
17 Mar, 2008
The autmn color is great. So was the color in the rest of your garden. Wonderful !
17 Mar, 2008
Sorry, I have no idea if the broom is male or female,
The only method for propagating the broom is vegetatively, either by grafting (preferred method) or cuttings, which I have never tried. I have also sent material to several other collectors in the US and europe, so it has got around a bit.
18 Mar, 2008
Didn't intend to sound so strident...sorry...I'm as interested to find out about ginkgo as everyone...by-the-way I should have added congratulations first...A wonderful accomplishment. most folk never think to deal with a broom...Personally, I'd probably cut it off and throw it away, thinking it was a problem, like a gall or something. On sober second thought it is not at issue, really. Congratulations on Ginkgo biloba 'Everton Broom'
When will we see it in our catalogues?
18 Mar, 2008
Lori - you can get it in the states, Yellowwood Rare Plants, a mail order nursery, Google the nursery name and you will find it.
18 Mar, 2008
Thank You!!!!
18 Mar, 2008
Lori - Rich Larson is one of the owners, he has the Ginkgo listed in the conifer section just under the name of 'Everton'
22 Jun, 2008
Fascinating information!
Joined 17 Mar, 2007
Dorset
17 Mar, 2008
Made a complete hash! of posting this blog .For some reason one of the photos has not shown, really needs to be a way of checking blog entries before posting.