Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Tall Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus procerus)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus procerus: Taxonomic Status and Botanical Characteristics
First documented in the dense forests of the Pacific, the large tree taxon Ailanthus procerus denotes a botanical name now synonymized under the accepted species Ailanthus integrifolia.
Scientific collections highlight its historical role in mapping the diverse flora of tropical rain forests. Ongoing taxonomic studies continue to validate its placement within regional botanical databases.
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 procerus (Tall Tree of Heaven)
Morphology
This massive canopy tree reaches heights of up to 60 meters in its native habitat. The straight trunk features smooth grey-brown bark that remains relatively unblemished in younger specimens.
The foliage displays several distinct structural traits:
- Leaf arrangement: Leaves are spirally arranged and pinnately compound, extending from 1 to 2 meters in length.
- Leaflet structure: Individual leaflets are oblong-lanceolate, asymmetrical at the base, and measure up to 20 centimeters.
- Glandular structures: Small, specialized glands are located on the abaxial surface of the leaflets near the margin.
The reproductive organs consist of small, greenish-white flowers clustered in large, spreading panicles. The resulting fruit is a prominent winged samara, designed for wind dispersal through the forest canopy.
Applications
The wood harvested from this taxon serves several primary purposes in local forestry:
- Light construction: The timber is utilized for indoor framing, light utility poles, and general carpentry.
- Pulp production: Fibrous material from the trunk is processed for paper manufacturing due to its favorable fiber length.
- Traditional tools: Softwood characteristics make it suitable for carving light household implements and decorative items.
Ecological applications focus on soil stabilization and shade creation in reforestation zones.
Interesting facts
Taxonomic history reveals that this species was described by botanist Albert Charles Smith during his extensive field studies of Pacific island floras. The name highlights the towering height of mature trees. Wind dispersal of its samaras allows the species to colonize remote forest gaps rapidly.
Geography of distribution
- India
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Australia
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO), Kew Science
- World Flora Online (WFO) Consortium
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Tropicos Database, Missouri Botanical Garden
Technical Information
External Databases: Tropicos
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 …