Spotted Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus punctata)

Bastard Crow's Ash Penta Ash Black Teak

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Ailanthus punctata (Pentaceras australe) - Bastard Crow's Ash

Native to the dry rainforests of eastern Australia, this resilient evergreen tree is widely recognized under the accepted name Pentaceras australe. Belonging to a monotypic genus, it stands out as the sole representative of its taxonomic line. Historically classified under the synonym Ailanthus punctata, the species is valued for its unique winged seeds and dense timber.

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 punctata (Spotted Tree of Heaven)

Morphology

This medium-sized tree typically grows to a height of 27 meters, featuring a greyish-fawn trunk flanged at the base on older specimens. The bark is characteristically smooth and marked with small horizontal lines. Its foliage consists of large pinnate leaves, measuring between 150 to 500 millimeters in length and holding five to fifteen leaflets.

The leaflets are egg-shaped to lance-shaped, reaching up to 130 millimeters in length and containing numerous oil dots visible under magnification. In the blooming season, the tree produces highly perfumed, small white flowers clustered in panicles. The fruit is a distinctive samara containing a single seed, which is distributed by wind currents once ripe.

Flowering season

Highly perfumed white flowers bloom from June to October.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Name

Dec

Applications

The dense, heavy timber is traditionally referred to as black teak and has been utilized in heavy-duty construction and woodworking. Its strength makes it suitable for structural beams and outdoor installations. In addition, the species is sometimes planted in ecological restoration projects to stabilize soils in dry rainforest zones.

Interesting facts

The genus name Pentaceras translates to "five horns," referring to the horn-like points on its floral parts and winged fruits. Because it is a monotypic genus, it holds high evolutionary significance for researchers studying plant diversity in Australia. The tree is locally famous for its heavily perfumed white blossoms that attract native bees and other pollinators.

Geography of distribution

Australia

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO): Basionym and synonymy record of Pentaceras australe.
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Occurrence data and taxonomic status.
Australian Plant Census (APC): Accepted nomenclature and classification.
Queensland Department of Environment and Science: Conservation status and species profile.