Olive family, Oleaceae
Origin: southern Europe, Asia Minor
Habitat in the original area: thermophilic oak forests, forest edges, rocky slopes
Habitus: The usual height of the Manna Ash is 5–8 metres. On shallow soils it can be of a shrubby growth. Its bark is grey and the crown is ovoid.
Leaf: The leaves are most often composed of 7 elliptical leaflets elongated to a tip. The edges of the leaves are finely serrated. On the reverse side, a rusty fluff grows near the midrib.
Bloom, fruit: In May, a pleasant fragrance wafts around the trees. This comes from the rich panicles of white blossoms. The fruits are achenes with a wing that is noticeably widened in the upper third.
Interesting fact: In winter, it can be easily recognized by the greyish-purple buds at the ends of the branches.
