Maharukh (Ailanthus excelsa)
J.M. Garg
Ailanthus (derived from ailanto, an Ambonese word probably meaning "tree of the gods" or "tree of heaven") is a genus of trees belonging to the family Simaroubaceae, in the order Sapindales (formerly Rutales or Geraniales).
They are fast-growing deciduous trees growing to 25-45 m tall, with spreading branches and large (40-100 cm) pinnate leaves with 15-41 long pointed leaflets, the terminal leaflet normally present, and the basal pairs of leaflets often lobed at their bases. The small yellow to greenish flowers are borne on branched panicles they turn reddish later in the year and eventually brown they stay on the tree for a long time; the male flowers have a strong odour. The odour tends to resemble the smell of strong cat urine or the spray of a male cat. Also, touching the leaves leaves an unpleasant smell on the hands. The fruit is a samara drawn out into a long wing with the seed in the middle. The wood is fine grained and satiny.
The number of species is disputed, with some authorities accepting up to ten species, while others accept six or fewer. Species include:
- Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) – northern and central mainland China, Taiwan, arguably the best known species.
- Ailanthus excelsa – India and Sri Lanka
- Ailanthus integrifolia – New Guinea and Queensland, Australia
- Ailanthus malabarica – southeast Asia
- Ailanthus triphysa (White Siris) – northern and eastern Australia
- Ailanthus vilmoriniana (Downy Tree of Heaven) – southwest China
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With regards,
J.M.Garg
"We often ignore the beauty around us"
For learning about our trees & plants, please visit/ join Google e-group (Indiantreepix) http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en
For my Birds, Butterflies, Trees, Lanscape pictures etc., visit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/J.M.Garg
