In Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens in Nova Scotia, a surprising revelation recently occurred after 40 years of mistaken identity regarding their ginkgo tree’s gender. Initially believed to be male, the tree turned out to be female, producing fruit-like seeds that emit a distinctly unpleasant odor when crushed underfoot.
Trish Fry, the gardens’ manager, described the smell as reminiscent of dog excrement, rancid butter, or even vomit. The discovery of the pungent seeds this year, despite the tree being planted in the early 1980s, came as a shock to the staff. Initially disregarding the idea that the seeds were from the ginkgo tree due to its presumed male nature, a visitor’s observation prompted a closer inspection, confirming the tree’s true gender.
Ashlea Viola, the gardens’ horticulturist, highlighted the longevity of ginkgo trees, noting that they can take decades to fully mature. Despite the surprise, Viola emphasized the appeal of ginkgos, known for their vibrant leaves that transition from green to bright yellow in autumn, creating a captivating carpet of color upon shedding.
Female ginkgo trees, though less common due to the malodorous seeds they produce, are sometimes mistakenly planted. Viola mentioned a case where a Montreal resident sought the replacement of a female ginkgo tree on their property due to the foul-smelling seeds. Despite the inconvenience, ginkgos are prized for their beauty and resilience, being the last of their species and often referred to as “living fossils” for their ancient origin.
Given the historical significance and unique characteristics of the ginkgo tree, the decision has been made to retain the female tree at the historic gardens. While the seeds pose an olfactory challenge, particularly after they fall, visitors are encouraged to experience the tree’s beauty, with a humorous suggestion from Fry to possibly bring nose plugs for the occasion.
