Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Sichuan tree of heaven (Ailanthus sutchuenensis)
Szechuan Tree of Heaven
Szechuan Ailanthus
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus sutchuenensis: Szechuan Tree of Heaven Care & Facts
Native to the mountainous regions of central and western China, this species stands out as a resilient deciduous timber producer. It thrives in temperate forest ecosystems, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to varied soil profiles and elevations.
The tree plays a vital role in local reforestation efforts and soil conservation. Culturally, it carries historical significance in Chinese forestry and woodcraft traditions.
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 sutchuenensis (Sichuan tree of heaven)
Morphology
Ailanthus sutchuenensis is a massive deciduous tree, capable of reaching heights between 20 and 30 meters. Its young branchlets are reddish-brown, initially puberulent but quickly becoming glabrous. The bark is relatively smooth and greyish-brown.
- Leaves: Large, alternate, odd-pinnate leaves measuring 40 to 90 centimeters in length, consisting of 10 to 20 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with a truncate or slightly cordate base and an acuminate apex.
- Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in large terminal panicles. The flowers are typically unisexual or polygamous.
- Fruits: The fruit is a flat, oblong samara, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters in length. Each samara has a single seed positioned near the center, designed for wind dispersal.
Flowering season
Late spring to early summer, typically from May to June, with fruits ripening from August to September.
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Applications
The wood of this species is relatively light yet durable, making it valuable in rural construction, furniture making, and as a source of fuel. Due to its rapid growth rate, it is highly suitable for ecological restoration and shelterbelts to control soil erosion in hilly terrains.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet sutchuenensis refers to Sichuan Province (formerly Romanized as Szechuan) in southwestern China, where the species was first collected and described by botanists. Unlike the highly invasive common tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), this species remains relatively confined to its native habitat and is valued for its ecological contribution.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Flora of China (efloras.org)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (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 …