14 Jan Tree of heaven
Ailanthus altissima
A hardy plant with a deep root system, forms dense thickets, destroys biodiversity.
Family: Simaroubaceae
Origin: China
Habit: Deciduous suckering shrub or tree to 15m.
Leaves: 9-21 opposite pairs of strongly veined, ovate leaflets with a
smaller leaf at the tip. Leaflets have a conspicuous gland that
produces an unpleasant smell when crushed.
Flowers: Male and female flowers appear in clusters on separate plants
in summer.
Fruit: Seeds are covered in a flattened wing, green turning reddish.
Roots: Deep tap roots, a maze of lateral roots.
Dispersal: Seed and suckers. Once planted around rural buildings.
Control: Scrape and paint stems. Drill trunks of larger specimens.
