Randy Brost, age 13, of Casper, Wyo., for his question

IS THE GINKGO REALLY AN OLD TREE?

The ginkgo tree really goes far back in history. It is the only survivor of a group of trees whose lineage goes back more than 200 million years when lots of ginkgo like trees were found.

About 150 million years ago, all except the ginkgo became extinct.

The ginkgo was probably originally a native to the forests of western China but today it is found in all parts of the world. It can grow to be as tall as 120 feet. It usually has a narrow cone shaped or broadly oval outline. Some have weeping branches while others have them upward pointing.

The ginko is relatively pest free and thrives in cities. It has fan shaped long, stalked leaves that are clustered on short twigs.

Ginko trees are either male, producing pollen, or female, which produce seeds. The seeds of old female trees have foul smelling pulp. You can buy male trees and not risk getting a tree that will eventually smell bad.