Plant of the month 2014 January
The plant of the month: Japanese varnishtrees
In 2002, we had a thorough discussion in the francophone forum of Tela Botanica about Japanese varnishtrees. To make things simple, we have the true Japanese varnishtree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), the false one (Ailanthus altissima) and the false-false (Toona sinensis).
Pl@ntUse just reorganized such data, adding in-depth details. 13 Rhus, 3 Toxicodendron, 2 Cotinus and 31 Searsia used worlwide have been inventoried, as well as Ailanthus and Toona. As for ailanthus, the origin of the name has been clarified : Rumphius made it known in the West under the form aylanto, and we find even today in Moluccas an Ailanthus which is called ai lanit, corresponding exactly to Indonesian kayu langit, "heaven's tree".
As a gift, you will find thorough notes on the etymology of names such as Ailanthus, Rhus and sumac.
Pages have been created only in French for the moment, due to lack of time. You can help us translating!
