The Ginkgoaceae family is a group of ancient trees, with the most well-known member being the Ginkgo biloba. This tree is often referred to as the maidenhair tree and is recognized for its unique fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo trees are notable for their resilience and can live for over a thousand years, making them one of the oldest living tree species. Ginkgoaceae trees are dioecious, meaning that individual trees are either male or female. The male trees produce pollen, while the female trees produce seeds that are encased in fleshy fruit. The seeds have a strong odor when ripe, which can be off-putting, but they are also valued for their medicinal properties and culinary uses in some cultures.