The Ginkgo biloba (also known as maidenhair) is one of the oldest living tree species in the world. It's the sole survivor of an ancient group of trees that date back to before dinosaurs roamed the Earth – creatures that lived between 245 and 66 million years ago. It’s so ancient, the species is known as a 'living fossil'. Fossils of Ginkgo leaves have been discovered that date back more than 200 million years. They are almost identical to the maidenhair tree leaves of today.

Source: Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew