Fraxinus Ornus, also known as the Manna Ash, is a species of tree native to the Mediterranean region. Its name is spelled /ˈfræk.sɪ.nəs ɔːrˈnʌs/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet, and the pronunciation goes like "FRACK-si-nuss or-NUSS." The genus name 'Fraxinus' means "ash tree" in Latin, while 'Ornus' is derived from the Greek "ornos," meaning "mountain ash." This deciduous tree is well-known for its sweet sap, which is used to make a traditional sweetener called "manna."
Fraxinus ornus, commonly known as the Manna Ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. This species is native to Mediterranean regions, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is noted for its unique production of a sweet sap called "manna," which has been used for various medicinal and culinary purposes.
The Manna Ash typically reaches heights of around 10-15 meters, with a spread of 5-10 meters. It has a rounded crown with dense foliage consisting of compound leaves, typically composed of 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are lanceolate in shape and have serrated edges, giving the tree an aesthetic appeal.
The sap of the Fraxinus ornus, known as manna, is produced during the summer months. It is primarily extracted by making incisions on the bark, allowing the sap to flow out and solidify into flakes or crystals. Manna has a sweet taste and a honey-like aroma, making it popular as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent in food and beverages.
In traditional medicine, manna has been used for its laxative, diuretic, and expectorant properties. It has been employed to treat constipation, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and various skin conditions. However, it is important to note that the efficacy and safety of manna for medicinal purposes have not been widely scientifically studied.
Fraxinus ornus is also valued for its ornamental qualities, with its attractive foliage and delicate white flowers that bloom in spring. It adapts well to a variety of soil types and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it a popular choice for landscaping and urban planting projects.
The word "Fraxinus Ornus" is the scientific name for a specific species of tree commonly known as the Manna Ash or Flowering Ash. The term "Fraxinus" is derived from the Latin word fraxinus, which means "ash tree". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word *bhreh₁ǵ- meaning "to shine, gleam". This can be associated with the light-colored wood of the ash tree.
On the other hand, "Ornus" is derived from the Latin word ornus, which refers to a type of whitebeam tree (Sorbus), also known as Mountain Ash. It's important to note that the Manna Ash is commonly called "Ornus" due to its similarity in appearance to whitebeam trees. The name "Fraxinus Ornus" emphasizes its close relation to the ash tree species.