How to Pollinate Maidenhair tree

(Ginkgo biloba)

Maidenhair tree, also known as Kew Ginkgo

Maidenhair tree's pollination process is a captivating ballet of nature, predominantly facilitated by the gusty wind. The seductive allure of these plants owes to the unique pollination timing, unraveling in the spring. The irresistible nature is woven through the intricate pollination mechanism, with help from the contrasting sexes of the plant, a story finally told when wind carries male gametes to awaiting female organs.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Maidenhair Tree?

Bloom Time

Spring

Primary pollinators

Wind

How Does Pollination Occur in Maidenhair Tree?

Maidenhair tree has dioecious flowers, meaning separate male and female flowers grow on different trees. Male flowers form catkins, while the female flowers resemble small clusters of skinny, bezel-set pebbles.

In maidenhair tree, pollination occurs when the wind carries pollen from male flowers to female ones. Self-pollination is not possible since individual trees are male or female.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Maidenhair Tree?

Wind Barriers

Reduction or strategic placement of wind barriers such as fences, walls, or hedges can help direct wind towards the Maidenhair trees, improving wind pollination.

Plant Spacing

Ensuring plants are not too crowded allows wind to access and effectively distribute the pollen. In the case of Ginkgo biloba, appropriate spacing between the plants can enhance wind pollination.

Other Wind-Pollinated Plants

Including more wind-pollinated species in the garden or farm can help facilitate pollen transfer among them, which may support the pollination of the Maidenhair tree.

Climate Monitoring

Wind pollination can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Maintaining a regular watch on these factors and adjusting as necessary can help optimize wind pollination.

How Can You Determine if Maidenhair Tree has Been Pollinated?

Seed formation

Following successful pollination, maidenhair tree will form seeds encased in yellow-brown, fleshy fruit-like structures.

Pollen cones

Maidenhair tree is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female trees. Successful pollination is evident as yellowish pollen cones on male trees are shed and blow into female trees.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Maidenhair Tree

Difficulty

Difficult

Duration

60 - 120 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Maidenhair Tree?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is needed to collect and transfer pollen from the male maidenhair tree to the female maidenhair tree.

Cotton Swabs

These can serve as an alternative to a small brush, especially for reaching into deep or narrow spaces.

Cotton Gloves

Gloves are needed to avoid direct touch with the plant as it may cause irritation or allergy reactions.

Marker

For keeping track of the pollinated flowers, a marker is needed to label or mark them.

Ziplock Bags

Once the male flowers have produced pollen, it can be collected and stored in ziplock bags to maintain its viability.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Maidenhair Tree?

The best time to hand-pollinate maidenhair tree is during the late spring season when the male flowers are shedding pollen and the female flowers are receptive. Hand-pollination should ideally be performed in the early morning hours when the temperatures are cooler and the plant is less stressed.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Maidenhair Tree

Step1: Preparation

Inspect the maidenhair tree trees to confirm which ones are male and female. Males will have pollen producing catkins, while females will have small, open structures called ovules. Put on the cotton gloves to avoid direct touch with the plant.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Using the small brush or cotton swabs, gently collect the pollen from the male catkins. Store the collected pollen in a ziplock bag to maintain its viability.

Step3: Applying Pollen

Take the small brush or cotton swab with pollen and gently brush it onto the ovules of the female maidenhair tree. Be thorough and ensure you reach as many ovules as possible.

Step4: Marking

Once pollinated, use a marker to mark the female maidenhair tree so that they can be identified later for any necessary follow-up or checks.

Step5: Follow Up

Monitor the hand-pollinated maidenhair tree over the next few weeks. If successfully fertilised, the female maidenhair tree will produce seeds towards the end of summer.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Maidenhair Tree Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of pollinating agents

Maidenhair tree's pollination is wind-aided. If plants are kept indoors or in low-wind areas, consider manually spreading pollen or moving the plant.

Dioecious nature

Ensure to have both male and female maidenhair tree trees nearby for effective pollination, as one tree alone cannot complete the process.