Manna Ash, Flowering ash

Fraxinus ornus

Physical Characteristics

Fraxinus ornus is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

S. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Edible Uses: Manna - a sweetish exudate is obtained from the stems by incision[2, 4, 11, 114, 171, 183]. The quality is better from the upper stems. A mild sweet taste[114], its main use is as a mild and gentle laxative[171], though it is also used as a sweetener in sugar-free preparations and as an anti-caking agent[238]. The tree trunk must be at least 8cm in diameter before the manna can be harvested[4]. A vertical series of oblique incisions are made in the trunk in the summer once the tree is no longer producing many new leaves[4]. One cut is made every day from July to the end of September. A whitish glutinous liquid exudes from this cut, hardens and is then harvested[2]. Dry and warm weather is essential if a good harvest is to be realised[4]. The tree is harvested for 9 consecutive years, which exhausts the tree. This is then cut down, leaving one shoot to grow back. It takes 4 - 5 years for this shoot to become productive[2]. Average yields of 6 kilos per hectare of top quality manna, plus 80 kilos of assorted manna are achieved[2].

Medicinal Uses

Laxative Tonic The manna obtained from the trunk is a gentle laxative and a tonic[4, 46]. It is especially valuable for children and pregnant women[4, 238]. Its action is normally very mild, though it does sometimes cause flatulence and pain[4].

Known Hazards

Contact with the sap has caused skin or systemic allergic reactions in some people[238].