Fraxinus floribunda aka Himalayan Manna Ash

Fraxinus floribunda is also known as Himalayan ash. It is part of the olive family. Its range spans the Himalayas, southern China, and Southeast Asia. It grows in woods, wooded valleys, and by roads. High sites in the Himalayas have rich, moist soil. In western China, it also grows near sea level. Useful Tropical Plants gives its status as Least Concern. That source lists no known threats specific to this species.

This tree has a straight trunk and sheds its leaves. Some trees stay bare for only a short time. Sources give different figures for its full height. Useful Tropical Plants lists 66 feet [20 metres]. It says trees can reach 82 feet [25 metres]. PFAF gives a greater height of 131 feet [40 metres]. These figures do not show a clear garden size range. Growers sometimes plant this tree for its looks. PFAF also places it in the canopy of woodland gardens.

PFAF lists June to July as the time of bloom. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Wind carries pollen from one tree to the other. The tree cannot use its own pollen to make seed. It thus needs both male and female plants for seed. Sow fresh seed before it dries fully. PFAF says to sow it in a cold frame. Stored seed needs a cold spell before it can sprout. Young plants need a cold frame's shelter through their first winter.

Grow this ash in sun, as it cannot stand shade. It prefers moist soil and deep loam, including heavier loam. It can also grow in sand or clay soils. It accepts soils that are slightly acid or slightly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it too. Strong winds and air pollution pose less trouble than coastal exposure. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10 but notes limited hardiness in Britain. There, outdoor growth suits places with a milder climate. Where seed comes from may affect growth in local conditions.

Cuts in the trunk yield manna, a sweet substance used in food. Large amounts can have a laxative effect. People also use manna as a laxative in traditional medicine. PFAF warns that young shoots can cause abortion. This warning matters, though the sources list no known general hazards. People harvest this tree for food, medicine, and timber. They use its wood for oars, ploughs, and poles.