Ginkgo Trees in Youxi

Ginkgo Trees in Youxi

　　Ginkgo trees in Youxi are a specialty of Youxi County, Sanming City, Fujian Province. The ancient ginkgo forest in Youxi County is the largest of its kind in Fujian.

　　Youxi County has the highest number of ancient ginkgo trees still in existence in Fujian Province and a long history of artificially cultivating ginkgo. According to surveys, there are 353 surviving ancient ginkgo trees, primarily located in Shanlin, Ji’an, and Jianxi Villages in Zhongxian Township, as well as Lianyun, Xiayun, Yunshan, and Dongbian Villages in Lianhe Township. These ancient ginkgo trees are generally scattered, but there are two concentrated groves in Longmenchang and Shankeng in Shanlin Village, Zhongxian Township, totaling 155 trees—forming the largest ancient ginkgo cluster in Fujian. It is said that these two groves were first planted during the Southern Song Dynasty, with the oldest trees being over 800 years old. The highest annual yield of dried fruits (ginkgo nuts) from a single tree among the surviving ancient ginkgos in the county can reach 100–200 kilograms.

　　After 1980, Youxi County vigorously promoted the cultivation of ginkgo trees. By 1999, over 3,000 acres of new ginkgo plantations had been established across the county, yielding nearly 100 tons of ginkgo nuts annually. The products are sold well both within and outside the province, as well as in Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and other regions.