ailantifolia

Ailanthifolia is not an accepted botanical name, and it commonly appears as a mistaken spelling for Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven. Ailanthus altissima is a deciduous tree in the Simaroubaceae family, native to China and Taiwan, and has become widely naturalized in many regions outside its native range.

Description and characteristics: The species can reach 10–25 meters in height, with a trunk that may approach 1 meter in diameter. Leaves are large, pinnate, 60–90 cm long, with 10–41 leaflets. Leaflets are oblong to lanceolate with serrated margins and often bear a small gland at the base of the leaflet on the rachis. The tree emits a strong, disagreeable odor when leaves or tissue are crushed. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, produced in large panicles; fruits are clusters of samaras that hang on the tree through autumn. It is dioecious, with male and female trees producing different flowers; female trees produce seed clusters.

Ecology and distribution: Native to temperate regions of China and Taiwan, Ailanthus altissima has been widely planted as an ornamental and for erosion control. It tolerates a broad range of soils and urban pollution, grows rapidly, and can resprout from stumps. In many places it behaves invasively, particularly in disturbed habitats, where dense stands can displace native vegetation and alter ecosystems.

Management and uses: Because of its invasiveness, planting is often discouraged and removal of seedlings and mature trees is recommended in natural areas. Control methods include mechanical removal and herbicides; complete root removal reduces resprouting. The wood has limited commercial value, and the species contains allelopathic compounds such as ailanthone that may affect nearby plants. In traditional contexts, it has been used in some medicinal applications, though such use is not widespread.