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Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Distribution Overview
Family Name
Gluing
Heartwood Color
Numerical Data
Polishing
References
Regions of Distribution
Response to Hand Tools
Scientific Name
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size

Scientific Name
Ailanthus altissima

Trade Name
Ailianthus

Family Name
Simaroubaceae

Synonyms
Ailanthus glandulosa


Wood Image 1

Common Names
Ailianthus, Amboyna, Chinese sumach, Tree of heaven

Regions of Distribution
Africa, Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
China, India, Japan, South Africa

Common Uses
Cabinetmaking, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Fuelwood, Furniture, Joinery, Paneling, Particleboard, Pulp/Paper products, Veneer: decorative

Distribution Overview
Native to China and Taiwan, it is only fitting that missionaries should introduce the "tree-of-heaven" to Europe in 1751 and to the US in 1784. It is listed as a serious weed in Australia and is widely spread, weedlike, in all temperate climates. It is estimated to range from Subtropical Dry to Wet through Cool Temperate Dry to Wet Forest Life Zones, tree-of-heaven is estimated to tolerate annual precipitation of 3 to 25 dm (tolerating a dry season up to 8 months), annual temperature of 10° to 20°C, and pH of 5.5 to 8.0. Growing on the smallest of city plots and rubbish heaps, this species can tolerate a wide array of soils, from acid to alkaline, sand to light clay, well-drained to swampy, poor to rich. It is said to do poorly on chalky soils or compact clay.

Heartwood Color
Yellow
White
Orange
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
White to cream


Texture
Figure
Interlocked
Closed
Wavy
Distinct (figure)
Other (figure)

Lustrous


Toxicity
Some toxic effects
Dermatitic effects


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is straight


Tree Size
Tree height is 10-20 m
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Tree height is 0-10 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Gluing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to glue


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Easy to machine


Polishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Good results


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish

References
Adamik, K.J.,1955,The use of Ailantus glandulosa as Pulpwood,Tappi 38(9) pp150-3

Adamik, K., Brauns, F.E.,1957,Ailanthus glandulosa (tree of heaven) as a pulpwood part II,TAPPI 40(7) pp522-7

Berchem, T.E., Et al,1972,Fibre length in the wood of tree of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima,Mill,Wood and Fibre 4(3) pp234-5

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No.5 Philippines and Japan,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Moslemi, A.A., Bhagwat, S.G.,1970,Physical and mechanical properties of the wood of tree-of-heaven,(Ailanthus attissima Mill,Wood and Fibre 1(4) pp319-23

Nation Research Council,1980,Firewood Crops Shrub and Tree Species for Energy Production,National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C.

Streets, R.J.,1962,Exotic Forest Trees in the British Commonwealth,Clarendon Press Oxford









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