Ailanthus altissima
- noun
- /eɪˈlænθəs ælˈtɪsɪmə/
- Specialized
:
Ailanthus altissima
- The city planted Ailanthus altissima along many busy streets because of its resistance to pollution.
Examples
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The leaves of Ailanthus altissima are large and resemble those of a sumac.
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Despite its rapid growth, Ailanthus altissima is considered invasive in several parts of North America.
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The Ailanthus altissima is often called the tree of heaven.
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Many cities plant Ailanthus altissima along the streets.
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The city planted Ailanthus altissima along busy streets for its ability to thrive in polluted environments.
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Despite its rapid growth, Ailanthus altissima can become invasive in urban areas of North America.
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The large, sumac-like leaves of Ailanthus altissima provide ample shade in the summer.
Synonyms
A fast growing tree from China that often grows in cities and spreads quickly
A fast-growing tree from China with sumac-like leaves and strong-smelling flowers often planted on streets
A fast growing Asian tree that spreads quickly and grows well in cities
Surface Forms
Morphology
Ailanthus + altissima
This is a compositional scientific binomial: 'Ailanthus' names the tree genus and 'altissima' is a Latin epithet (literally 'very tall'), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a particular Ailanthus species. However, the detailed species traits in the full definition (native range, smell, urban tolerance) are specialized and not derivable from the parts, and the Latin epithet may be unfamiliar to many learners, making the transparency only partial.
Etymology
Ailanthus altissima is the scientific name for a fast-growing tree often called the 'tree of heaven'. The name may come from old words meaning a tree that reaches high, and altissima means 'very tall', which helps you remember this tough street tree that pushes up through cracks and spreads so easily it becomes 'invasive'.
