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Phylum Ginkgophyta -- ginkgo Ginkgophyta comprises a single extant genus, and once was known only from fossils. However, a population was found growing in China and ginkgo is now widely cultivated as an ornamental tree. They grow satisfactorily in central Texas, but often are slow to establish. Ginkgophyta is heterosporous and, in addition, produce highly specialized, complex reproductive and dispersal structures called seeds. Ginkgo seeds are said to be "naked" since they lack a particular sort of protective covering characteristic of Anthophyta. Ginkgophyta are therefore said to be "gymnospermous." Genus Ginkgo

Ginkgo, once thought extinct, is now widely planted in urban areas. The distinctive foliage often is colorful in Autumn.

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