Ginko is a member of the Gingkoaceae family. This plant is sometimes classed amongst deciduous trees and shrubs because it loses its leaves, but it is in fact a conifer. The biloba species is considered to be the oldest tree on the planet. Very hardy and resistant, according to legend, a Gingko biloba appeared in Hiroshima following the nuclear bombardment there. Its bark is brown and corky, its light green leaves take on a golden-yellow tint in autumn. It is mainly grown as a specimen in parks and formal gardens.