Origin of the genus Ailanthus Desf. and actual distribution of the species Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle: Phytogeographical analysis and fossil records
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Abstract
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (ailanthus) is one of the most widespread invasive alien plant species on a global scale. Although it is native to Asia (China and northern Vietnam), its high adaptive plasticity, competitive nature and anthropogenic introduction have enabled it to invade and colonise natural and deteriorated areas on a global scale. In this context, the present research aims to analyse the origin of the genus Ailanthus Desf. To this end, cartographic outputs are elaborated that show, for each geological period, the location of cited records of fossil fruits of the genus. Furthermore, once the approach to the origin of the genus has been studied, the appearance of the species A. altissima and its subsequent expansion on a global scale (derived from anthropic actions) throughout the 20th and 21st centuries is contextualised. The results obtained establish, among other aspects, the Cretaceous as the period of appearance of the genus Ailanthus and the central Tibetan plateau as its region of origin. Southeast Asia is identified as the natural range of the species A. altissima, from where it spread and invaded, as a consequence of introduction by anthropogenic activities, a large part of the temperate latitudes of both hemispheres.