Manna Ash
Fraxinus ornus
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Description
Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to Southern Europe and Southwestern Asia. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a mid-story tree in food forests, providing shade and acting as a windbreak. Its dense clusters of white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting pollinators and supporting biodiversity. The tree's sap, known as 'manna', has been traditionally harvested for its sweetening properties and mild laxative effects. Historically, manna was used in Mediterranean cultures as a natural sweetener and medicine. Manna Ash is resilient across various soil types, including loamy and clay soils, and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. It is an excellent choice for enhancing landscape aesthetics and ecological functions, particularly in areas prone to wind erosion.
Growing Details
Manna Ash thrives in well-drained soils with moderate moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including loamy and clay soils. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as comfrey and yarrow can enhance soil health and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Harvest manna sap in late summer
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Fraxinus ornus</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southern Europe and Southwestern As
applicable geo region: Southern Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The sap of Manna Ash, known as 'manna', is harvested and used as a natural sweetener. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is traditionally used in confections and as a sugar substitute. Harvesting occurs in late summer when the sap flows most freely.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Manna has been traditionally used for its mild laxative properties. It is also used in folk medicine for treating respiratory and digestive issues. The sap is typically consumed in small quantities to avoid digestive discomfort.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of manna may lead to digestive discomfort. It is advisable to use it in moderation.
other uses: The wood of Manna Ash is valued for its strength and elasticity, making it suitable for tool handles and furniture. It is also used as firewood due to its good burning properties.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Fraxinus ornus
common names: Manna Ash; South European Flowering Ash
family: Oleaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Fraxinus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(7/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Manna Ash thrives in well-drained soils with moderate moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including loamy and clay soils. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as comfrey and yarrow can enhance soil health and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Harvest manna sap in late summer
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include ash borers and aphids. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help deter ash borers. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to manage pest outbreaks.
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