Stinktree (Ailanthus cacodendron)

Tree of heaven Copal tree Chouchun
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Ailanthus cacodendron: History, Description, and Synonyms

Originating in the temperate regions of East Asia, the name Ailanthus cacodendron designates a historical synonym of the widely known tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima.

This species has spread globally due to its tolerance of poor soils and urban environments. It frequently colonizes disturbed landscapes and roadside edges.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ malvids
  • ∟ order Sapindales
  • ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • ∟ genus Ailanthus (Tree of heaven)
  • ∟ species Ailanthus cacodendron (Stinktree)

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Morphology

This deciduous tree grows rapidly to heights of 15 to 25 meters. The bark is smooth and light grey, developing pale fissures as the trunk matures.

The leaves and flowers present specific diagnostic features:

  • Compound leaves: The pinnate foliage ranges from 30 to 90 centimeters in length, bearing 10 to 41 opposite leaflets.
  • Leaflet margins: Leaflets feature a pair of prominent glandular teeth near the base.
  • Inflorescence: Large panicles of yellow-green flowers develop at the branch tips.

The flowers emit a strong, disagreeable odor, particularly the male blossoms. The dry fruits are samaras that twist slightly, allowing them to spin through the air when falling.

Flowering season

Late spring to early summer, typically from May to July

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Applications

Historically, the timber has been used in rural areas for simple construction and fuel. Traditional practices in China utilize the root bark for various herbal preparations. In modern urban forestry, it is occasionally grown for rapid shade, though its invasive nature limits intentional planting.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet comes from Greek roots meaning "bad tree," reflecting the unpleasant odor of the flowers and crushed leaves. This tree is capable of producing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding vegetation. It was one of the first trees brought from China to the West in the eighteenth century.

Geography of distribution

  • China
  • United States
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Australia

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO), Kew Science
  • World Flora Online (WFO) Consortium
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • International Plant Names Index (IPNI)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

White Siris

White Siris

Ailanthus triphysa

A tall evergreen rainforest tree native to Asia and Australia, famous for its aromatic halmaddi …

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