Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɪŋkə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "gingkoes" can be perplexing for some. The reason behind the peculiar spelling is due to the original Chinese word for this tree, "银杏" (yínxìng). The transliteration of this word into English led to the spelling "ginkgo" with a silent "n" at the end. However, when pluralizing "ginkgo," we add the "es" suffix, resulting in "gingkoes." The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈɡɪŋkəʊz/.
Gingkoes, also referred to as ginkgoes, are a species of ancient, deciduous tree belonging to the family Ginkgoaceae. The term "gingkoes" can be used as both the singular and plural form of the word. They are the only living members of this family and are often described as living fossils due to their ancient lineage, dating back millions of years.
Gingkoes are renowned for their unique and distinct fan-shaped leaves, which turn a vibrant golden-yellow color during the autumn season. The leaves are typically divided into two lobes. Female trees produce fleshy, plum-like seeds, while male trees bear cone-like structures called pollen cones. These trees are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens and public spaces due to their aesthetic appeal.
Gingkoes are highly valued for their medicinal properties and have been utilized in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. The seeds of the gingko tree are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat various ailments such as memory loss, circulatory disorders, and symptoms of aging. However, it is important to note that the efficacy and safety of gingko seed extracts have not been fully scientifically proven.
Due to its hardiness and tolerance to urban environments, ginkgoes have become popular street trees in many cities worldwide. Their resilience to pollution and disease make them an attractive choice for landscaping purposes. However, the foul odor emitted by the fleshy seeds of female gingko trees has been a drawback for some individuals.
The word "gingkoes" is derived from the singular form "gingko". The etymology of "gingko" can be traced back to the Chinese word "yínxìng" (银杏), meaning "silver apricot". The "yín" (银) represents "silver" and "xìng" (杏) represents "apricot". This original Chinese term was later adapted into the Japanese language as "ginkyo", which is pronounced similarly to "gingko". When the word entered the English language, it underwent further modifications to become "gingko" or "ginkgo", both of which are accepted spellings today. The plural form, "gingkoes", follows the standard English pluralization pattern by adding the "-es" suffix.
