Ailanthus Excelsa, Mahaneem - 0.5 kg Seeds

Ailanthus excelsa, the maharukh or tree-of-heaven (often called mahaneem), is a large, very fast-growing deciduous tree native to the dry regions of central and peninsular India. It has a tall, straight trunk, a light open crown of large pinnate leaves and clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that are dispersed by the wind.

Its soft, light wood is used for matchsticks, packing cases, plywood, catamarans and pulp, while the leaves are an important fodder, especially for goats, and the bark has traditional medicinal uses. A hardy, drought-tolerant tree that grows on poor soils, it is widely planted for farm forestry, fuelwood, fodder lots and as a quick avenue and shade tree.

• Family: Simaroubaceae
• Native region: central and peninsular India
• Mature height: 18-25 m
• Growth rate: very fast

Soak the winged seeds in water for about 24 hours before sowing to improve and hasten germination. Sow about 1-2 cm deep directly in poly bags or a well-drained nursery bed kept moist and warm; germination usually takes 14-21 days. Grow the seedlings on and transplant at the onset of the monsoon.