DE EN

Features

Tree

Leaf

Blossom

Fruit

  Latin name Fraxinus ornus
  Family Oleaceae (olive family)
  Distribution Southern Europe, Mediterranean region, Western Asia
  Height 5 to 10 m, rarely up to 25 m
  Age 80 to 100 years
  Roots Heart root system with extensive and shallow lateral roots
  Bark Dark grey to dark brown, relatively smooth even in old age, warted
  Flowers Abundant, bouquet-like flower clusters, approximately 10 cm long and wide, creamy white and strongly scented; appear together with the foliage.
  Flowering period April to May
  Fruits Abundant fruit clusters of single-seeded, very narrow winged nutlets, one-sided winged, turning dark brown in autumn. Wind disperses them.
  Fruiting period from October
  Alternative names Flowering Ash

 

Fraxinus ornus

The manna ash belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae) and is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is considered native to Switzerland and is predominantly found in southern Ticino. Manna ash grows slower than other ash trees, so remaining rather small. This attractive small tree has an open, rounded crown. The twisted branches radiate from the very straight main trunk. As the crown is very sparse the flowers are particularly visible.

With its well-branched root system, the manna ash is very stable and tolerates both heat and drought well. Further, it is considered a healthy and resilient tree for a future with climate change.

The name manna ash has no connection to biblical manna. The name derives from its sap, which contains the sweet-tasting mannitol. Already in the 15th century, this tree was cultivated in many parts of Italy for the extraction of sap. Later, the mannitol isolated from this sap was used as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as mannitol is broken down independently of insulin. Furthermore, mannitol is also used as a filler and binder in pills.

Ecology

The abundantly flowering manna ash is not only an aesthetic delight, but with its intensively sweet scent it also attracts bees, butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. Thus, the manna ash is a popular bee pasture in the Mediterranean region. During the main flowering season, beehives are placed in the plantations, allowing for the production of pure, light ash honey. This distinguishes the manna ash from all other ash trees, which are all wind-pollinated and therefore uninteresting for beekeeping.

Wood

Like the wood of the common ash, manna ash wood is appreciated for its elasticity, durability, and beautiful grain, and is thus used for veneer, furniture, and tool handles. It is light brown with barely visible growth rings and is also suitable for woodturning.