Ailanthus confucii

Overview

Ailanthus confucii is a plant known from fossil winged fruits. A seed lies at the center, with wings extending to either side. Fruits bearing this name have also been reported from Late Miocene strata in Yunnan, China.^[2]

Key facts

Look separately at the central seed and the wings on either side. Distinct parts are visible even within this small fossil. Such fruit shapes provide a basis for comparing ancient plants of the genus Ailanthus.^[2]

Time and place

Late Miocene fruits from Yunnan, China, have been reported as this species. The broad temporal background of this regional record is approximately 11.6–5.3 million years ago. Reading locality and fruit form together helps identify ancient plants.^[2][3]

The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.

Size, form and skeleton

The central seed and the wings spreading to either side are conspicuous features. Researchers compare fruit shapes when assessing fossil names. This plant draws attention first to a small reproductive structure rather than to an entire tree.^[2]

The winged fruits of Ailanthus confucii found in southern China measure approximately 4.9–5.5 cm long. This measures the seed together with its surrounding wing, rather than the height of the entire tree.^[4]

Habitat and reproduction

What role do winged fruits play in identifying plants? The central seed and wing outline can be compared together. This is an example of reproductive structures providing clues to the identity of fossil plants.^[2]

Fossil discovery

Research examining the history and morphology of Ailanthus fossils also discussed relationships among old names. Studies of Late Miocene fruits from Yunnan add a regional record for Ailanthus confucii. The history of a name and evidence from new localities connect.^[1][2]

References

1. Study of the history and morphology of fossil Ailanthus
2. Study of Late Miocene Ailanthus fruits from Yunnan, China
3. International Commission on Stratigraphy (2024) — Geological time chart
4. (2022) Fossil winged fruits of Ailanthus from southern China
5. Li et al. (2018) — Fruits and spirally patterned seeds from Weichang

Research questions

How can names assigned to similar winged fruits be compared? Fruit form and the context in which names were used in publications can be examined together. A small part of a plant offers a way to reread the history of classification.^[1][2]

Observation

Move your gaze from the central seed to the tips of the wings on both sides. Separating the central region from the broadly spreading parts helps explain the organization of this small fruit.^[2]