Macartney beardless-flowered ailanthus (Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi)

Macartney's tree of heaven White siris
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi: Subtropical Australian Variety

Tolerating both coastal winds and seasonal droughts, Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi grows as a sturdy deciduous tree native to the forests of Queensland. This variety features large compound leaves and clusters of small, pale flowers that attract local pollinators. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found along forest edges and watercourses.

The plant adapts well to warm climates and plays a role in the local forest ecosystem. It contributes to the canopy structure and provides habitat for various insect species.

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 imberbiflora (Smooth-flowered Tree of Heaven)
  • variety Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi (Macartney beardless-flowered ailanthus)

Living Pulse

Morphology

The structural characteristics of Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi exhibit adaptation to subtropical environments:

  • Leaves: The pinnately compound leaves consist of multiple leaflets with slightly asymmetric bases and smooth margins.
  • Flowers: Small, greenish to yellowish flowers are borne in terminal panicles, blooming during the warmer months of the year.
  • Fruit: The samaras are winged, facilitating wind dispersal across the open forest landscape.

Flowering season

Spring to early summer, primarily between October and December in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Applications

The applications of Ailanthus imberbiflora var. macartneyi are mostly ecological and traditional:

  • Timber: The lightweight, soft wood has been used locally for light construction and making small wooden items.
  • Ecological Restoration: It is utilized in reforestation projects within its native range to restore degraded subtropical forest habitats.

Interesting facts

Several fascinating aspects define the ecological presence of this variety:

  • Wind Dispersal: Its winged samaras can travel significant distances on thermal currents, allowing it to colonize clearings quickly.
  • Resinous Sap: The bark contains aromatic resins that have been used in traditional folk practices.

Geography of distribution

  • Australia

Sources

  • POWO: Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
  • WFO: World Flora Online Consortium
  • GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …