What kind of tree is the Ginkgo?

The Ginkgo tree is categorized as dioecious, meaning that individual trees are either male or female. This characteristic is significant because it influences reproduction and the production of seeds. In dioecious species, it is necessary to have both male and female trees in proximity for successful pollination and seed production. The male trees produce pollen, while the female trees produce seeds that can be fertilized by this pollen.

While the Ginkgo is also considered deciduous since it sheds its leaves seasonally, this feature is secondary to the dioecious nature of the species in this question's context. The evergreen classification does not apply to Ginkgo trees, as they lose their leaves every autumn. Additionally, the term monoecious refers to plants that have both male and female reproductive structures on the same individual, which does not describe the Ginkgo. Thus, recognizing the distinction of dioecious is key to understanding the reproductive strategy of this unique tree species.