Oh, I'm not talking about its possible use in dementia or other brain problem. But, rather, the plant Ginkgo biloba is a curious species.
You know what. Ginkgo tree is a unique species with no close living relatives - it is classified in its own division; all related species have disappeared for over 2 million years.
The unexplainable point is, Ginkgo tree is tough. It adapts well to poor soil condition, and could tolerate much pollution. In fact, it grows fine in urban city, and is rarely attacked by insects or other diseases. Why should all its relatives got extincted ?
Well, maybe that's the same reason why Homo erectus and Neanderthals disappeared.
PS. Ginkgo evolved in an era before there was any flowering plants, but most of the Ginkgo trees are nowadays cultivated. Although physically durable, the species has very slow growth and late reproduction maturation, which predicts a losing battle in the game of evolution.
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