Genus of ancient plants dating back to the days of the dinosaurs. The only surviving species is the Ginkgo biloba, a Chinese native tree. The gingko is a gymnosperm, a seed plant which includes male and female types. The female plant produces a compound with a noxious smell caused by butyric acid, hence the cultivation of mainly male plants. Ginkgoes are quite large trees, often with complex, 'leggy' branch structures, and can be very impressive foliage plants. Ginkgo products are now part of therapeutic medicine, and were for a while part of the 'smart' drinks and drugs culture.