Definition

Noun: 1. Ailanthus altissima: A deciduous tree native to China, characterized by rapid growth, foliage resembling that of sumac plants, and flowers that produce a sweetish but unpleasant odor. It is widely cultivated in urban areas, particularly in the United States, due to its notable tolerance for polluted environments. It is also commonly known as the "tree of heaven."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The city planted a tree of the gods along the boulevard for its hardiness.
  • Despite its beautiful foliage, the tree of the gods is often considered invasive.
  • You can identify the tree of the gods by its distinctive smell and compound leaves.

Advanced Usage

• As a botanical subject: The term is used in formal and informal botanical contexts to refer specifically to .
  • The study focused on the allelopathic properties of the tree of the gods.

Variants and Related Words

• Tree of heaven: The most common alternative name for the same species ().
• Ailanthus: The genus name, often used to refer to this tree.
• Chinese sumac: Another common name referencing its origin and leaf similarity.

Synonyms

• Tree of heaven
• Ailanthus
• Chinese sumac
• Stink tree (informal, referring to its flower odor)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning refers to the specific tree species . It does not have a literal or mythological meaning relating to deities. The name is a direct translation of one of its common names.
• Its key defining characteristics are its rapid growth, resilience to urban pollution, and its tendency to spread aggressively, which can make it an invasive species in some regions.

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