A tall, fast-growing tree native to China and Indochina, with feathery compound leaves and winged fruit, often found in urban areas.
From Ambonese 'ailantus' meaning 'tree of heaven,' introduced to European botanists through trade routes in the 18th century. The scientific name Ailanthus altissima reflects its height ('altissima' = tallest).
This tree became famous in 1943 when Betty Smith wrote 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'—it's so tough it can grow through concrete cracks, making it a symbol of urban resilience and survival against the odds!
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