Final answer:
Ginkgo biloba trees can be found in public spaces and parks within Russellville. They are resilient and do well in polluted urban environments, and only male trees are typically planted due to the odor of the seeds from female trees. Ginkgos have been planted for thousands of years and are known for their fan-shaped leaves and dichotomous venation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ginkgo biloba, commonly referred to as the ginkgo tree, is a unique plant with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. It's known for its fan-shaped leaves which exhibit a dichotomous venation pattern, and these leaves turn bright yellow in the fall before shedding. In Russellville, ginkgo trees can typically be found in urban areas, including public spaces and parks, where they are planted primarily for shade and aesthetic appeal. The trees thrive in various habitats, especially urban environments prone to pollution—conditions under which other trees might struggle to survive.
Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants, and due to the unpleasant odor of the seeds produced by the female ginkgo, only male trees are usually planted in urban landscapes. The ginkgo possesses remarkable resilience to polluted air, which is why it's popular as a landscaping tree in cities across America, including those in regions like Russellville.
Although ginkgo trees are extensively planted worldwide, they do not naturally establish themselves in the wild. Their continued existence is a result of human cultivation, stretching back thousands of years, with historic ties to Buddhist temples in China. Today, it's not uncommon to encounter these trees in public spaces, where they serve as living fossils, connecting the present day to an ancient past. For anyone hoping to spot a ginkgo in Russellville, checking out local parks or temple grounds would be your best chance to admire these storied trees.