Feb 05, 2011: Sometimes bark of trees looks as various as their leaves — here is a an example. According to the label, it`s Ailanthus altissima. In Russian it`s alternative names are “Chinese elder” (resembling leaves, odour and root sprouts) or “Chinese ash-tree” (resembling leaves and winged seeds), in Indonesian “Ailanthus” means “Tree of heaven”, due to tallness and fast growth. After being introduced into Europe and US and used in urban parks and gardens (Oh, such a nice tree, and so fast-growing!) the tree revealed some traits which were previously ignored. Thus it received new names of “stink tree” and “ghetto palm”, because it stinks, it became an invasive species and it`s hard to get rid of. Still, in it`s country of origin, China, the tree of heaven is still used in medicine, as a host plant for growing silkworms and for it`s wood.

St. Petersburg Botanical Garden

species Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima