Re: Tree of Heaven

In a message dated 9/3/00 7:20:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, berlin@wycol.net 
writes:

<< unrestrained loathing.  Anyway, could someone possibly explain the name?
 What are the redeeming qualities of the tree that would justify such prose? 
>>

Ailanthus: Tree-of-Heaven.  The Latinized version of the native Moluccan name 
ailanto, meaning "sky tree", for a species of this genus.  (species altissima 
under discussion).

This is information from the handy Stearn on gardener's Latin.  It is sort 
removed from gardening.  I do not think any gardener would ever seek out and 
plant this tree.  Not in the East for sure.

I mentioned the discussion to my husband who said he has been cutting one out 
of a ground level storm grate for years on a building that he owns.  The tree 
has endless powers of rejuvenation.  Apparently it was brought to this 
country as a shade tree that would endure smoke and pollution.  I cannot 
write on this list what he calls this tree.

Claire Peplowski
E Nassau NYS z4

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