Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Philippine Ailanthus (Ailanthus philippinensis)
Philippine Tree of Heaven
Prasili
Balukas
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus philippinensis: Philippine Tree of Heaven Facts
Found in the lush tropical rain forests of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this majestic evergreen tree commands attention with its towering height. It populates low to medium-elevation primary forests, preferring humid tropical climates and well-drained soils.
The species forms an essential component of the forest canopy, offering shelter to numerous tropical organisms. Its wood has local commercial value, particularly in light wood industries.
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 philippinensis (Philippine Ailanthus)
Morphology
Ailanthus philippinensis (often classified under Ailanthus integrifolia) represents one of the largest species in the genus, growing up to 30 to 45 meters tall. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a diameter that can exceed 100 centimeters. The bark is smooth and greyish to pale brown.
- Leaves: Alternately arranged, large pinnate leaves that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The leaflets are asymmetrical, coriaceous, and elliptic-oblong, measuring 10 to 20 centimeters long.
- Flowers: Small, creamy white or greenish-yellow flowers grouped in large, spreading, terminal paniculate inflorescences.
- Fruits: Large, winged samaras, elliptical in shape, about 5 to 8 centimeters long, which rotate like helicopter blades when falling to ensure wide dispersal by wind.
Flowering season
Variable throughout the year, with peak flowering from March to June depending on local rainfall patterns.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
The lightweight and soft timber is locally harvested and utilized for manufacturing matches, packing crates, lightweight furniture, and plywood. It is also used as a raw material for paper pulp production. Locally, traditional medicinal preparations from the bark are sometimes applied to treat ailments like fever.
Interesting facts
Unlike many of its deciduous relatives from temperate regions (such as the common Ailanthus altissima), this species is fully evergreen, adapted to the tropical climates of Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it is known by several indigenous names, including Prasili and Balukas, highlighting its presence in local indigenous cultures.
Geography of distribution
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Prosea (Plant Resources of South-East Asia)
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 …