Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Phyllanthus-like Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus phyllanthoides)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus phyllanthoides: Botanical Profile and Distribution
Occurring in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Ailanthus phyllanthoides characterizes the diverse canopy of seasonal evergreen forests.
It thrives in humid climates, often growing along riverbanks or in disturbed forest zones. The tree contributes to soil stabilization and provides shelter for local wildlife.
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 phyllanthoides (Phyllanthus-like Tree of Heaven)
Morphology
This medium-sized tree features a slender trunk with smooth, light-colored bark. The compound leaves are clustered near the ends of the branches, creating a light, airy crown.
Distinctive morphological details include:
- Foliage: Small, delicate leaflets that closely resemble those of the genus Phyllanthus.
- Inflorescence: Axillary panicles composed of small, inconspicuous, unisexual or bisexual flowers.
- Seed Pods: Papery, winged samaras designed to float on air currents for wind-mediated seed dispersal.
Applications
The soft wood of this species is occasionally harvested for making matches, wooden shoes, and paper pulp. Traditional practitioners sometimes extract bitter principles from the bark to treat digestive ailments and fevers.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet phyllanthoides translates to "resembling Phyllanthus," highlighting the resemblance of its leaflets to the leaves of the leaf-flower genus. It represents an evolutionary adaptation to optimize light absorption under the dense tropical forest canopy.
Geography of distribution
- Thailand
- Malaysia
Sources
- POWO (2026): Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- WFO (2026): World Flora Online Project.
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility database.
Technical Information
External Databases: GBIF
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 …