Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash)

Fraxinus ornus, commonly known as the Flowering Ash or Manna Ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to Southern Europe and Southwest Asia. While it is primarily cultivated for its ornamental value and timber, its fruits, often referred to as 'manna,' have been traditionally harvested for their sweet, sugary exudate. This exudate, rich in mannitol and other sugars, has historically been used as a natural sweetener and in traditional medicine. The tree’s clusters of small, winged fruits are not typically consumed fresh but are valued for their medicinal properties and unique culinary applications. The manna extracted from the tree is a natural laxative and has been historically significant in various cultural traditions.