Ailanthus
Ailanthus, a genus of trees native to eastern and southern Asia and northern Australia. The trees grow rapidly up to 100 feet (30 m), attaining most of their height within 10 or 12 years. The leaves and branches give off a disagreeable odor when cut or broken. The Chinese species are used for street and landscape planting because they grow in almost all types of soil, resist smoke and dust, and are not attacked by insects or disease.
In the United States, the most common ailanthus is the tree of heaven, native to China. It grows to a height of 60 feet (18 m). The tree bears small, green flowers.
The resin of the bark of one species of ailanthus is used medicinally to treat dysentery and other intestinal ailments. The ailanthus yields a light yellowish wood used to make furniture and fishing boats.
Ailanthus trees belong to the family Simaroubaceae. The tree of heaven is Ailanthus altissima.