Overview
Fraxinus ornus L. is a deciduous plant species that belongs to the family Oleaceae. It is commonly known as manna ash, flowering ash, or South European flowering ash. This plant is most popular for its medicinally valuable sap known as Manna. It is found in the Southern parts of Europe and some regions of Asia.
General Appearance
The Fraxinus ornus L. plant species is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 10-20 meters tall. It has a spreading crown, which increases in size as the tree grows. The tree bark is greyish-brown, smooth when young, and develops grooves and cracks as it ages. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and composed of 9-13 leaflets.
Uses
The Fraxinus ornus L. plant species has a long history of medicinal use and is most popular for its sap that is known as Manna. The sap is a sweet, sticky substance that is collected from the bark. It has been used as a laxative, diuretic, and a remedy for coughs and bronchitis. It is also used as a flavoring agent in some foods and drinks. The wood of the manna ash is strong and flexible, which makes it suitable for making handles for tools, sports equipment, and furniture.
Fraxinus ornus L. is a popular ornamental plant that is grown in gardens and parks due to its aesthetic value. It is also used in urban landscaping to provide shade and reduce pollution. The plant plays a vital role in ecosystems by providing habitats for various species of birds and insects.
Light Requirements
Fraxinus ornus L. grows well in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not produce as much flowering or fruiting when grown in shaded locations.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Fraxinus ornus L. is between 10°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures but is not frost-tolerant. An adequate amount of sunlight and warmth in the growing season is essential for good growth.
Soil Requirements
Fraxinus ornus L. prefers well-drained soils that are fertile, rich in nutrients, and slightly acidic to neutral. The pH level of soil can be between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows well in soils that are enriched with organic matter, which helps the soil retain moisture, nutrients, and improves soil structure.
Cultivation Method of Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L., commonly known as Manna ash or Flowering ash, is a deciduous tree that is grown for ornamental purposes. To cultivate the plant, it is important to select a site that receives full sunlight, as it thrives in a bright environment. It can grow well in most soil types as long as it is well-drained, but for optimal growth, it is advised to choose fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
The best time to plant Fraxinus ornus L. is in late autumn or early spring before new growth appears. It is important to ensure that the root system is not disturbed during planting to prevent transplant shock. Dig a hole that is two times larger than the root system, add some organic matter, and firm the soil around the plant after planting.
Watering Needs for Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L. enjoys moderate watering, especially during the establishment period, where it requires sufficient moisture to develop robust roots. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, during dry weather conditions. Reduce watering during winter months to prevent root rot caused by cold and damp soils.
Fertilization of Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L. benefits from regular feeding to enhance its growth and maintain its health. Apply a well-balanced granular fertilizer in early spring, as new growth begins. For younger plants, apply about 50g of fertilizer, increasing it up to 100g for mature plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may cause harm to the plant.
Pruning of Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L. requires minimal pruning, but it is essential to maintain its shape and prevent overcrowding. Prune the plant during the dormant season, ideally in late winter or early spring, and always remove dead or diseased branches. Note that Fraxinus ornus L. is susceptible to ash dieback disease, so it is vital to monitor the tree regularly and carry out effective measures to prevent its occurrence.
Propagation of Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L., also known as Manna Ash, can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Fraxinus ornus can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature, healthy parent plants and sown in a well-draining potting mix. Stratification of seeds is necessary, and it involves keeping the seeds in a cold environment for a specific period to simulate winter. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a pot with the potting mix and covered lightly with soil. The pot should be placed in a sunny location and kept moist. Germination can take several weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into bigger containers as they grow.
Cutting Propagation
Fraxinus ornus can also be propagated by cuttings. Semi-ripe cuttings should be taken from mature wood during the summer months. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have two to three leaf nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright location. The cutting should develop roots in about four to six weeks, and once rooted, the plant can be transplanted to a larger container.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a popular propagation method for Fraxinus ornus. It involves grafting a scion of Fraxinus ornus onto the rootstock of another Fraxinus species. The rootstock should be young and healthy, and the scion should be taken from a mature, healthy Fraxinus ornus plant. The two plant parts should be joined together and wrapped tightly to facilitate grafting. The graft should be kept in a warm, well-lit location until signs of growth appear.
Overall, Fraxinus ornus L. can be propagated by different methods, which include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Fraxinus ornus L.
Fraxinus ornus L., commonly known as Manna ash, is a deciduous tree well known for its ornamental value, shade provision, and medicinal properties. Like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth and hamper its overall health. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the plant's longevity and optimal health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
1. Ash dieback: It is a fungal disease caused by the Hymenoscyphus fraxineus pathogen, also known as Chalara fraxinea. The symptoms of the disease include wilting and blackening of leaves, lesions on branches and trunks, and dieback of the crown. The disease is transmitted through spores, and environmental factors such as moisture and humidity facilitate its spread.
Management: The management strategies for ash dieback include removing the infected plants, avoiding movement of the infected plant material, and control measures such as fungicide application. In addition, good sanitation practices such as cleaning tools to prevent cross-contamination, increasing air circulation, and improving soil drainage may help prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Verticillium wilt: It is a fungal disease caused by the Verticillium spp. pathogen that damages the plant's vascular system and leads to wilting of leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. The disease is widespread and affects a wide range of plants.
Management: The management of Verticillium wilt includes maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, improving soil drainage, and avoiding the use of infected plant material. Fungicides and other chemical control measures may also be effective in managing the disease, but they are not always necessary.
Common Pests:
1. Emerald ash borer: It is an invasive pest that has wreaked havoc on ash trees in North America. The adult beetle lays eggs on the bark, and the larvae feed on the tree's inner layer, causing significant damage to the vascular tissue and leading to tree decline.
Management: The management strategies for emerald ash borer include avoiding the transportation of infested wood, using insecticides and biological controls, and regular monitoring for early detection. Effective control may also include removing the infected plants and replacing them with resistant species or cultivars.
2. Ash flower gall mite: Ash flower gall mite is a microscopic pest that infests the ash tree's flowers, leading to distorted flower growth and reduced seed production.
Management: The management of ash flower gall mite includes removing the infected plant material, improving plant nutrition and moisture levels, and using miticides to control the pests. Regular monitoring and early detection also play a critical role in managing the pest.
With appropriate management practices, common diseases and pests that affect Fraxinus ornus L. can be effectively managed, extending the life and beauty of these valuable trees.
