Fraxinus ornus aka Manna

Taxonomy

Fraxinus ornus, also known as the manna ash or South European flowering ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 15-25m tall with a dark grey bark that remains smooth even on old trees. This species of Fraxinus is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia, from Spain and Italy north to Austria and the Czech Republic, and east through the Balkans, Turkey, and western Syria to Lebanon and Armenia. The buds of Fraxinus ornus are pale pinkish-brown to grey-brown, and the leaves are in opposite pairs, pinnate and have 5 to 9 leaflets. The flowers are produced in dense panicles and have four slender creamy white petals that are pollinated by insects. The fruit of the Fraxinus ornus is a slender samara that ripens from green to brown. In addition to being a tree, Fraxinus ornus is also a rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and requires regular watering. When grown indoors, it does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Flowering Ash prefers soil that is well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, the Fraxinus ornus belongs to the Fraxinus genus and is native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor.

Common names

Manna, Manna Ash, Flowering Ash

How to care for Manna

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Manna is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Manna should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Manna loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Manna requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Manna Ash is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Manna should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Manna’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia