Fraxinus uhdei aka Shamel Ash

Fraxinus uhdei, or Shamel ash, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. It is native from Mexico into Central America. Its range includes Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. It grows in forests and at their edges. In Guatemala, it grows by streams on river deposits. It also spreads into old pastures in Mexico. It stays widespread, with many trees in varied habitats. Its reported 2017 IUCN assessment lists it as Least Concern.

This tree has a large crown and a straight trunk. Its usual height is about 49–59 feet [15–18 metres]. Rare trees can reach 121 feet [37 metres]. The trunk can be about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. One old tree reached 3.6 feet [1.1 metres] in diameter. Its crown stays green and gives shade all year. The tree makes large amounts of seed. The supplied sources do not describe this species' flowers or fruit. They give no details of leaf shape or bark.

Shamel ash suits warm tropical and subtropical climates. In its native range, dry weather lasts several months. Reported rainfall ranges from 800 to 3,000 millimetres per year. It likes moist ground and grows best on deposited soils. It grows less well on dry ridges and eroded slopes. Young plants can cope with shade. Older trees need more sun as they grow. It can live through brief cold spells near 18°F [−8°C]. This does not prove it can stand long, harsh winters.

Growers plant this tree for shade and for its looks. They also use it to help bring forests back. People cut wild trees for wood and use them in folk medicine. The wood is hard, heavy, and strong, with a straight grain. Workers can saw, plane, and machine it with ease. They use it for furniture, trim, kitchen tools, and sports gear. The source lists floors, veneer, and building work as other possible uses. These uses add to its worth as a shade tree.

Mexican folk medicine uses both the leaves and bark. Reported uses aim to treat fevers and wash wounds on the skin. These records show past practice, not proof that treatments work. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not mean that all parts are safe. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. It describes how to grow the tree from seed. Seeds take at least 40 days to sprout. Nursery plants need slow exposure to full sun before planting out.