Which ancient tree species is known as a 'living fossil' and has fan-shaped leaves?

The ancient tree species known as a “living fossil” and recognized by its fan-shaped leaves is Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).

Ginkgo is the only living species in the order Ginkgoales, a plant lineage with fossil relatives dating back more than 270 million years. Its distinctive leaves have veins that radiate outward and repeatedly fork instead of forming a network, giving them their fan-like appearance.

Ginkgo trees are native to East Asia and have been cultivated by people for centuries. Carl Linnaeus formally described Ginkgo biloba in 1771; the name biloba refers to the leaves’ frequent two-lobed shape. The species is also called the maidenhair tree because its leaves resemble those of the maidenhair fern.

A common mix-up is with cycads, which are among ginkgo’s closest living relatives but do not have the same characteristic fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgo is also famous for brilliant yellow autumn foliage, remarkable longevity, and resistance to pests and urban pollution.