For four decades, the staff at Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens in Nova Scotia believed that their ginkgo tree was male. Earlier this year, they were surprised by an unexpected discovery. Typically, only male ginkgo trees are sold commercially due to the fact that female trees produce fruit-like seeds with a distinct odor when they fall and are crushed underfoot.
Trish Fry, the garden manager, described the smell as unpleasant, comparing it to dog feces, rancid butter, or even vomit. The seeds appeared in the park for the first time this year, surprising the staff who initially dismissed the possibility that they were from the ginkgo tree since it was believed to be male.
After a visitor pointed out the seeds, the staff, led by the horticulturist, examined the tree more closely and confirmed that it was indeed female. They also discovered that ginkgo trees can take decades to reach full maturity, adding a new twist to their understanding of the tree after 40 years.
Ashlea Viola, the gardens’ horticulturist, emphasized the popularity of ginkgo trees for their beautiful leaves that transition from green to bright yellow in autumn, creating a stunning carpet of color when they fall en masse. Viola highlighted the resilience and unique status of ginkgo trees as the only species of their kind remaining on Earth.
Despite the unexpected revelation and the distinctive smell produced by the female tree’s seeds, the garden manager confirmed that there are no plans to remove it. Visitors are advised to expect the odor if they visit after the seeds have fallen, with Fry suggesting wearing nose plugs as a precaution. The ginkgo tree’s unique characteristics and historical significance make it a valuable addition to the historic gardens.
The presence of the female ginkgo tree at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens serves as a reminder of the tree’s enduring legacy and its distinct features that continue to attract visitors.