{
  "id": 16785500,
  "title": "Ancient tree with strong smell wins Tree of the Year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/ancient-tree-with-strong-smell-wins-tree-of-the-year",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T19:33:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-28/geelong-s-167-year-old-gingko-biloba-tree-wins-tree-of-the-year/107314130"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A ginkgo biloba tree in Geelong Botanic Gardens has been named Victorian Tree of the Year. The National Trust of Australia conducted the competition, with the Geelong Ginkgo receiving nearly a third of the total votes. The tree, which was planted in 1859, predates the Melbourne Cup and the gold rush. Its unique appearance, with growths resembling stalactites, has earned it the title of the largest Ginkgo biloba in Victoria, possibly even Australia. National Trust Victoria's executive manager of gardens and landscapes, Justin Buckley, highlighted the tree's remarkable features and its status as a living fossil, representing one of the oldest tree species on earth. Buckley expressed his admiration for the Geelong Ginkgo, noting its special characteristics and historical significance. The tree, a female variety, produces fruit with a strong, distinct odor, although not all find it appealing. The National Trust of Australia advocates for the statutory protection of such significant trees, aiming to safeguard these botanical treasures similar to historic structures.",
  "summary": "A 167-year old example of an ancient species of tree in Geelong's Botanic Gardens takes top honours in the Victorian Tree of the Year competition.",
  "key_points": [
    "Geelong Ginkgo biloba tree wins Victorian Tree of the Year",
    "Planted in 1859, predates Melbourne Cup and gold rush",
    "Produces fruit with strong, distinct odor"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}