Ginkgo leaves (Ginkgo biloba). The gingko is a unique tree with no living relatives. It is classified within its own division and is one of the best examples of a living fossil known. Ginkgo leaves are used in complementary medicine. Flavonoid glycosides have been found in extracts taken from the leaves. The extract is mainly used as a memory enhancer and for vertigo, although studies differ about its efficacy. Ginkgo means 'silver apricot' in Chinese.