Tree of heaven

The tree of heaven is a tree species originating from China and Taiwan. As an invasive plant, this tree can form dense monocultures under which hardly any other species grows. Seedlings can grow up to one metre per year and thus easily outcompete other tree species. In addition, the tree of heaven propagates through root suckers, which makes it difficult to control. The leaves are pinnate and consist of many pointed lanceolate leaflets. When the leaves are bruised, a typical smell is released, somewhat similar to the smell of nasi goreng (rice with egg). In the dunes, tree of heaven is found mainly in dune forest and dune scrub, but it can also overgrow dune grasslands with its root suckers.