Common Name: Himalayan Manna Ash

General Information

Fraxinus floribunda is a briefly deciduous tree with a straight bole; it usually grows up to 25 metres tall, though specimens up to 35 metres have been observed in the Himalayas[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Fraxinus floribunda is a widespread tree species with a wide altitudinal range. No specific threats are known The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Afghanistan, central and southern China, Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam

Habitat

Rich moist soils in forests; at elevation from 1,200 - 2,700 metres in the Himalayas[, ]. Dense forests, mixed woods of valleys, roadsides; sea level to 2,600 metres in western China[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Fraxinus floribunda is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short-lived temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant. Its range extends from the warmer temperate zone through to higher elevations in the tropics - this very wide natural range enables selected provenances to be chosen that are more suitable for the climate where the plant is going to be grown[].
Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side[, ]. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil[, ]. Plants succeed when growing in exposed positions[] and also in alkaline soils[]. Plants tolerate atmospheric pollution[].
This species is closely related to Fraxinus ornus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

A manna is obtained by incision of the trunk[, , ]. It is used as a sweetener but is laxative if used in quantity[, ].

Medicinal

The manna obtained from incisions in the stem is a safe and gentle laxative[, , ].

The young shoots are abortifacient[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Fraxinus species in general are gross feeders with an extensive, fibrous root system, which makes transplanting easy, but means that other species will often not grow well if planted nearby, especially if they are shallow rooted[],

Other Uses

The pinkish white wood is moderately hard, tough. It can be used in construction and for oars, ploughs, poles etc[, , , ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

The seed is best harvested green - as soon as it is fully developed but before it has fully dried on the tree - and can then be sown immediately in a cold frame[]. It usually germinates in the spring[]. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as possible in a cold frame[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions or a nursery bed in late spring or early summer of the following year.
If you have sufficient seed then it is possible to sow it directly into an outdoor seedbed, preferably in the autumn. Grow the seedlings on in the seedbed for 2 years before transplanting either to their permanent positions or to nursery beds.