Ginkgo Trees in Jinfo Mountain, Nanchuan

Ginkgo Trees in Jinfo Mountain, Nanchuan

Ginkgo trees in Jinfo Mountain, Nanchuan, are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Ginkgo is a rare and endangered protected plant species, with 2,035 ginkgo trees in the county. Ancient herbalist Li Shizhen noted that ginkgo leaves resemble duck feet, hence its original name "duck foot." It was once presented to the emperor as a tribute under the name "duck foot fruit." Due to its apricot-like shape and silvery-white color, it was bestowed the name "ginkgo"; also, because of its white shell, it is called "white fruit." Ginkgo trees can live for over 2,000 years, but they bear fruit relatively late. There is a saying that "a man plants the tree, his grandson enjoys the fruit," which is why it is also known as the "grandfather-grandson tree."

　　Ginkgo trees are dioecious, lush and upright, with a majestic presence, making them high-quality ornamental trees. Their fan-shaped leaves are elegant and unique, green in spring and summer, golden in late autumn, and their fruits are delicious and medicinal, offering high economic value. At Daheba at the northern foot of Jinfo Mountain, there stands a ginkgo tree that is 26 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 11.6 meters. Aged and venerable, it is locally called the "Ginkgo Queen." The base of its trunk is hollowed out into a cave large enough to fit a square table where four people can sit.

　　According to local residents, long ago, a farming family used the hollow of this tree as a shelter to pen cattle. A fire broke out by accident, burning the trunk for two full days and destroying all the branches. However, two years later, new branches sprouted, giving the tree a unique charm. Later, many mythical stories were attributed to it, leading to its renaming as the "Ginkgo Empress," hailed as one of the wonders of Jinfo Mountain.

　　Ginkgo Trees in Jinfo Mountain, Nanchuan

　　 Chongqing Jinfo Mountain National Nature Reserve Administration

　　 10986519

　　 Ginkgo (plant)