Manna ash

The manna ash is a tree that normally reaches 8-10 metres in height, but can grow up to 20 metres. The trunk is slender, sometimes twisted, with a rounded crown. The appearance of the bark varies with age: smoother and greyish with lighter spots when young, darker and cracked in older plants. The plant sheds all its leaves in winter, while in spring it is covered with shiny foliage, leaves and particularly showy, fragrant flowers gathered in dense, numerous panicles. Leaves and flowers appear simultaneously and the bare tree suddenly becomes resplendent. The fruits are samaras and are grouped in pendulous clusters containing a winged seed whose dispersal is aided by the wind. Samaras are dry fruits that do not release their seeds spontaneously when ripe; these are released over time when the shell breaks down due to decay, animal activity or other factors. On the Island, the manna ash is usually found in the mountains (often associated with the hop hornbeam or holm oak). The sap of the manna ash (manna) is used to make nougat, pralines, ice cream and other products.