Tall Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus excelsa
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka, highly valued for its …
Wight's Ailanthus (Ailanthus wightii)
Halmaddi tree
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Ailanthus wightii - Guide, Uses, and Botanical Overview
Native to the tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats in India, Ailanthus wightii grows as a majestic evergreen canopy tree prized for its aromatic resin. This species thrives in wet evergreen forests, playing a crucial ecological role by providing shelter and sustenance to various forest fauna.
Local communities have historically harvested its resin for cultural and traditional applications.
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 wightii (Wight's Ailanthus)
Morphology
This tree typically reaches heights of up to 30 meters, featuring a straight, cylindrical trunk covered in smooth, greyish-brown bark. The pinnate leaves are clustered at the ends of branches, composed of numerous pairs of falcate-lanceolate leaflets with entire margins.
Key morphological features include:
- Trunk and Bark: The bole is straight, and the bark emits a faint, characteristic odor when cut, yielding a viscous resin.
- Leaves: Large, alternate, pinnately compound, with leaflets that are asymmetrical at the base.
- Flowers: Small, greenish-white or yellowish blossoms arranged in large branched panicles.
- Fruit: Linear-oblong samaras containing a single seed, adapted for wind dispersal.
Flowering season
Typically flowers between January and March
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
The primary application of this tree lies in the extraction of its fragrant oleoresin, commercially known as halmaddi, which is used in making incense sticks. The resin is highly valued in traditional perfumery and cultural ceremonies across Southern India.
Additionally, the lightweight wood is utilized in local industries for manufacturing matchboxes, packing cases, and simple wooden crafts.
Interesting facts
Over-harvesting of the aromatic resin has put significant pressure on wild populations of this species in its native habitat.
Interestingly, the resin is also used in traditional veterinary medicine to treat wounds and skin ailments in livestock.
Geography of distribution
- India
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- WFO: World Flora Online
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 …