Red-winged Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus rhodoptera)

Tree of heaven Varnish tree

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Ailanthus rhodoptera - Historical Synonym of Ailanthus altissima

The historical nomenclature Ailanthus rhodoptera refers to a botanical synonym of the highly adaptable tree of heaven, published during the 19th-century explorations of Australia.

Described by the renowned botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1862, this name was later determined to represent the widely naturalized Ailanthus altissima. It shares the same ecological resilience, aggressive root sprouts, and distinctive winged fruits that characterize the genus.

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 rhodoptera (Red-winged Tree of Heaven)

Morphology

This deciduous tree grows rapidly, developing a broad canopy supported by a straight trunk with smooth, pale gray bark. The large, pinnate leaves and specialized fruits are key identifier features:

Foliage: Large, alternate leaves with numerous lanceolate leaflets, each bearing small glandular teeth near the base.
Flowers: Small, five-petaled, greenish-yellow flowers grouped in terminal panicles up to 30 centimeters long.
Samaras: Wind-dispersed fruits with paper-like, reddish-pink wings that twist slightly, allowing them to spin as they fall.

Flowering season

Late spring to early summer

Jan

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May

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Name

Dec

Applications

While not cultivated commercially, this tree has historical significance in forestry and land reclamation. It has been used to stabilize soils in degraded areas and serves as a host plant for the ailanthus silkmoth, which produces durable, coarse silk.

Soil stabilization: Colonizes disturbed soils and prevents erosion on steep banks.
Sericulture: Provides foliage for the cultivation of Samia cynthia silkmoths.

Interesting facts

Ferdinand von Mueller described this taxon in his work 'Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae' based on specimens observed in Australian collections. The specific epithet rhodoptera is derived from Greek, meaning 'red-winged', referencing the striking reddish color of the developing samaras.

Urban survivability: Highly resistant to compact soil, drought, and air pollution.
Sprouting capacity: Regenerates vigorously from root suckers even after the main trunk is damaged or cut down.

Geography of distribution

China
Taiwan
Australia
United States

Sources

GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Ailanthus rhodoptera F.Muell. (https://www.gbif.org/species/3708812)
Plants of the World Online (POWO): Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (https://powo.science.kew.org/)
International Plant Names Index (IPNI): (https://www.ipni.org/n/813552-1)