Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Maire's Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus mairei)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus mairei - Botanical Profile and Taxonomy
Scientific records associate Ailanthus mairei with the mountainous flora of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, where it was first documented by French missionary and plant collector Édouard-Ernest Maire.
According to major taxonomic databases such as the World Flora Online (WFO) and Plants of the World Online (POWO), this taxon is categorized as a synonym or closely related variant of the widely known tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima.
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 mairei (Maire's Tree of Heaven)
Morphology
Morphological characteristics of this tree align with the typical features of Ailanthus altissima, exhibiting a robust deciduous growth habit with smooth, gray-striped bark. The pinnately compound leaves can reach significant lengths, carrying numerous lanceolate leaflets that feature distinctive glandular teeth near the base.
The reproductive structures consist of small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in large panicles, which later develop into dry, winged samaras that facilitate wind dispersal.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet honors Édouard-Ernest Maire, a prolific French Catholic missionary who collected thousands of plant specimens in Yunnan during the early 20th century. His collections provided European herbaria with vital material for describing the unique flora of southwestern China.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
See also
Kurz's Ailanthus
Ailanthus kurzii
A tall tropical evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its winged …
Vilmorin's Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus vilmoriniana
A large deciduous tree native to western China, characterized by its deep red, finely pubescent …
White Siris
Ailanthus triphysa
A tall evergreen rainforest tree native to Asia and Australia, famous for its aromatic halmaddi …