The last few days have seen the ripening and falling of the stinky ginko fruit in New York City. In city parks, you’ll see older Chinese men and women collecting them–they tell me they’re after the pit inside, which they cook.
Many U.S. websites warn of the toxic even fatal effects, but clearly these annual ginko collectors know something about it since they’re still alive to tell the tale.
Chinese medicine uses ginko for everything from mental clarity to respiratory and digestive harmony.
Meanwhile, in Germany, mainstream doctors prefer ginko leaf extract over other treatments for dementia.
Central Park at 7:30 am this morning.
One of the oldest tree species, Ginko Biloba is a living link to the age of the dinosaurs. It’s also very beautiful.
Likely a male tree since there’s no fallen fruit. Frederick Douglas Circle NW corner of Central Park.