Review on Invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) Conflicting Values: Assessment of Its Ecosystem Services and Potential Biological Threat

Abstract

Globally, invasions by alien plants are rapidly increasing in extent and severity, leading to large-scale ecosystem degradation. One of the most widespread invasive alien plant species in Europe and North America, Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) was introduced intentionally for use as an ornamental plant in the 18th century. Since then, it has spread and is now frequently found in a number of countries. Today, Tree of Heaven is considered one of the worst invasive plant species in Europe and is also listed as invasive in North America and many other countries. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is one of many systems trying to list and categorize biological services to humans and to provide a tool for identifying services delivered by natural ecosystems. Invasive species have generally caused degradation of the services, have a major impact on the environment, and are threatening biodiversity and reducing overall species abundance and diversity. On the other hand, some invasive species can provide services useful to human well-being. In the present review A. altissima impacts on ecosystems are identified and positive influences on some ecosystem services are weighed against the negative effects on the environment and human health. The aim of the present review is to resume the general knowledge of A. altissima, group available references on distribution and ecology according to countries, compare ecosystem services provided or enhanced by A. altissima presence and the negative effects it causes, identify gaps in current knowledge, and give recommendations for future lines of research.

Citizen Science as a Tool in Biological Recording—A Case Study of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle

“…There are no written records of the exact year of introduction in Croatia, but it is certain that it was planted in gardens as a decorative plant [23]. Although there are many studies focused on various aspects of A. altissima around the world [22], only a few studies have been conducted on biological recording models [24][25][26], and, as far as we know, there have been none that connect participatory concepts with this invasive species.…”

“…There are no written records of the exact year of introduction in Croatia, but it is certain that it was planted in gardens as a decorative plant [23]. Although there are many studies focused on various aspects of A. altissima around the world [22], only a few studies have been conducted on biological recording To be efficient, citizen involvement should not be time consuming or boring, require complicated or expensive tools, or be expensive to perform. Its direct results are relevant, but they are only a part of the complete list of benefits.…”

“…It was introduced from China to Europe (Paris) in the 1740s primarily as an ornamental tree [22]. There are no written records of the exact year of introduction in Croatia, but it is certain that it was planted in gardens as a decorative plant [23].…”

A New Canthinone-Type Alkaloid Isolated from Ailanthus altissima Swingle

“…Furthermore, the EtOH extract of A. altissima inhibited the generation of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-dependent phases of prostaglandin D2 in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) [4]. Previous phytochemical investigations of A. altissima revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids [5]. Among these compounds, quassinoids and indole and β-carboline alkaloids are common major constituents of A. altissima [6][7][8].…”

“…In our continuing study to search for antiinflammatory agents from this plant, a new canthinone-type alkaloid (1), as well as 14 known compounds (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15), was isolated further from the EtOAc-and BuOH-soluble fractions of the EtOH extract of the stem barks of A. altissima (Figure 1). Herein, this paper describes the isolation and structural elucidation of the isolates and their inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells.…”