As autumn approaches, countries like Japan and South Korea grace their streets with charming ginkgo trees. Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest plant species in existence, with fossil evidence dating back 270 million years.
Ginkgo trees’ fan-shaped leaves transition from vivid green to golden colors all at once in autumn. Ginkgo trees are often located in urban areas so that they can improve the city’s visual appeal. Furthermore, being one of the most resilient tree species, ginkgos endure harsh conditions and thrive even among urban pollution. While the average lifespan of urban trees is around ten years, ginkgo trees can live for over a century, making them a popular choice for city planting.
In contrast to their beauty, ginkgos produce an unpleasant odor. The female fruits of ginkgo trees mature between September and October. When they fall and are crushed, they release an off-putting odor, similar to sour butter. To reduce the smell and the risk of potential accidents from fallen fruit, some communities prefer to only plant male ginkgo trees on streets.
Photo courtesy of Freepik / 照片：Freepik 提供
Beyond their visual appeal and unique odor, ginkgo trees also have a prominent role in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly in improving blood circulation. Modern research, however, primarily focuses on the beneficial extracts derived from their leaves. They can boost the body’s anti-inflammatory functions and help reduce anxiety. These extracts, with their anti-aging properties, are also utilized in the production of food-related supplements and skincare products.
Despite being common in cities, wild Ginkgo biloba trees are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving this living fossil for future generations, as it’s both visually pleasing and highly useful.
隨著秋天來臨，像是日本和韓國等國家用迷人的銀杏樹使街道增色。銀杏是現存最古老的植物物種之一，化石證據可追溯至 2.7 億年前。
銀杏樹的扇形葉片在秋天時瞬間從鮮綠色轉變為金黃色。銀杏樹通常被栽種在都市地區，以提升城市的視覺吸引力。此外，作為適應力最強的樹種之一，銀杏可以忍受惡劣的環境，即使在都市污染中也能茁壯成長。城市樹木的平均壽命約為十年左右，但銀杏樹卻可以存活一個世紀以上，因此成為城市植樹的熱門選擇。與其美麗的外觀相反，銀杏會散發出一種令人不悅的氣味。
銀杏樹的雌性果實成熟於九月至十月間。當它們落下並被壓碎時，會釋放出一種類似酸奶油的難聞氣味。為了減少這種氣味和防止果實掉落可能引起的危險，一些社區偏好在街道上僅栽種雄性銀杏樹。
除了視覺吸引力和獨特氣味之外，銀杏樹在傳統中醫的領域還發揮重要的作用，特別是在改善血液循環方面。然而，現代研究主要集中在從銀杏樹葉中萃取的有益成分上。它們可以增強身體的消炎功能和協助緩解焦慮。這些萃取物具有抗衰老的特性，也被用於生產與食品相關的補品和護膚品。
儘管在都市中常見，野生銀杏樹被國際自然保護聯盟列為瀕危物種。這提醒我們保存這種活化石對未來的世代非常重要，因為它既具有視覺上的吸引力又有極高的實用價值。
MORE INFORMATION
lifespan n. 壽命
odor n. 氣味；臭味
off-putting adj. 令人反感的；讓人卻步的
extract n. 萃取物
supplement n. 補充品
resilient adj. 適應力強的
anti-inflammatory adj. 消炎的；止痛消腫的
KEY VOCABULARY
1. species n. 物種
Many of the animal and plant species that live on this island can’t be found anywhere else.
生活在這座島上的許多動植物物種在其他任何地方都找不到。
2. fossil n. 化石
Henry was surprised to discover a dinosaur fossil when he was digging up the soil in his garden.
亨利在花園挖土時驚訝地發現了恐龍化石。
3. contrast n. 對比；差異
In contrast to her shy older brother, Lily likes to socialize with people and make friends.
與她害羞的哥哥相比，莉莉喜歡與人交際並結交朋友。
4. crush v. 擠壓；粉碎
Don’t put the bread at the bottom of the shopping bag or the other items will crush it.
不要將麵包放在購物袋底部，否則其他物品會壓壞它。
5. prominent adj. 重要的；突出的
The media interviewed some prominent legislators about the new law.
媒體訪問了幾位重要的立法委員對於新法規的看法。
6. circulation n.（血液）循環；流通
Massage can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
按摩可以幫助改善血液循環，舒緩肌肉緊繃。
7. beneficial adj. 有益的；有利的
Reading books can be beneficial for expanding vocabulary and improving language skills.
閱讀書籍對擴充詞彙和提升語言能力是有益的。
8. visually adv. 視覺上；外觀上
visual adj. 視覺的
The singer’s dress was visually interesting and unique, but it wasn’t very comfortable.
這位歌手的禮服在視覺上有趣且獨特，但並不是很舒適。
9. harsh adj. 惡劣的；嚴酷的
The harsh temperature was to blame for causing heat stroke in several people.
造成許多人中暑的原因可歸咎於酷熱的氣溫。
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