Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Vietnamese Ailanthus (Ailanthus vietnamensis)
Thanh thất Việt Nam
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Ailanthus vietnamensis: Endemic Tree of Vietnam's Wet Tropics
Endemic to the wet tropical forests of Vietnam, this rare deciduous tree has captured the attention of botanists since its discovery. First documented in the Cúc Phương National Park, it represents a narrow endemic with a highly localized distribution.
Scientists first described the species in 2007, highlighting its distinct physiological adaptation to humid tropical environments. Currently, it remains a subject of conservation interest and academic study due to its restricted range.
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 vietnamensis (Vietnamese Ailanthus)
Morphology
Reaching a modest height of up to 8 meters, the tree develops a trunk with a breast-height diameter of around 20 centimeters. The outer bark exhibits a smooth texture and a yellowish-grey coloration. Its stout twigs are yellowish-green, bearing ochre-colored lenticels and prominent, heart-shaped leaf scars.
The foliage consists of spirally arranged, pinnately compound leaves that grow up to 45 centimeters in length. Key morphological characteristics of these leaves include:
- Leaflet structure: Consists of 6 to 10 pairs of opposite, narrowly ovate leaflets measuring 5–11 centimeters in length.
- Pubescence: The upper leaflet surfaces are mostly smooth, whereas the undersides are noticeably more pubescent.
- Glandular structures: Black, round elliptical glands are typically situated on the prominent midrib and lateral nerves on the leaf underfaces.
The reproductive structures feature axillary panicle inflorescences extending up to 19 centimeters. Individual bisexual flowers measure 1 to 3 millimeters, supported by densely hairy pedicels. The resulting fruit is a narrowly elliptic samara, containing a single flat seed enveloped by thin wings.
Flowering season
Flowering occurs from March to May, with fruits ripening between May and July.
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Interesting facts
The discovery of this species occurred in the Cúc Phương National Park, which is celebrated as Vietnam's oldest national park. It was officially published in the botanical journal Blumea in 2007, marking a significant addition to the genus Ailanthus.
Unlike many of its widely distributed relatives, this tree produces samaras that reach up to 10 centimeters in length, assisting in wind-dispersal through the dense tropical canopy.
Geography of distribution
- Vietnam
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
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 …