tree of heaven

Thân thiện

A young tree of heaven grows in a city park.

Definition

Noun: * Ailanthus altissima: A fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, characterized by leaves resembling those of sumac, small flowers with a somewhat sweet but unpleasant odor, and the production of many seeds. It is known for its exceptional ability to thrive in poor, compacted soils and tolerate high levels of urban pollution and drought.

Usage

• The tree of heaven is often considered an invasive species outside its native range due to its aggressive growth and prolific seeding.
• Despite its negative ecological impacts, the tree of heaven was historically planted in many cities for its hardiness and rapid shade provision.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A large tree of heaven grew through a crack in the abandoned parking lot.
  • The city's forestry department is working to control the spread of the tree of heaven.
  • You can identify a tree of heaven by its long, compound leaves and the foul smell of its crushed foliage.

Advanced Usage

• The tree of heaven is a central symbol in the novel by Betty Smith, representing resilience and tenacity in a harsh environment.

Variants and Related Words

• Ailanthus (noun): The genus name for the tree of heaven and related species. Often used interchangeably in botanical contexts.
  • The ailanthus has become a common sight in urban wastelands.
• Tree-of-heaven (noun): A common alternative spelling using hyphens.

Synonyms

• Ailanthus
• Chinese sumac (Note: This name references the leaf shape but it is not a true sumac.)
• Stinking chun (A less common name referring to the odor of its flowers and leaves.)

Notes on Meaning

While valued for its toughness in urban landscaping, the primary contemporary meaning of tree of heaven emphasizes its status as a problematic, invasive plant in many regions. Its rapid growth and ability to sprout vigorously from roots and stumps make it difficult to eradicate once established.

Học thuật

Noun

1. deciduous rapidly growing tree of China with foliage like sumac and sweetish fetid flowers; widely planted in United States as a street tree because of its resistance to pollution

Từ đồng nghĩa

• tree of the gods
• Ailanthus altissima