nkgophyta and Cycadophyta (another phylum of Gymnosperms) are the only two phyla of the Gymnosperms remaining with motile sperm. Because of the flagellated sperm cells, fertilization can only happen when water is present. Not a lot of water is needed; a drop or two is sufficient, but the sperm cells must have a medium to swim through in order to get to the ovule.
A male Ginkgo biloba plant is much less messy and smelly. The pollen is produced in little “balls” or cones on the shoots of plants. The wind then carries the pollen to a female plant where its goal is to land on a pollination droplet. This droplet will carry the sperm into the plant. The sperm can then swim to the ovule (seed) and fertilize it. Now, the male and female species of the plant usually do not grow and develop their reproductive organs at the same time. Female Ginkgo trees typically produce their seeds first, and then about four months later, the pollen is produced in order to fertilize the female plant.