The Trees at Keele
Manna or Flowering Ash - Fraxinus ornus
Origin: this is not the Manna referred to in the Bible - that refers to the edible flakes of a dried and ground up desert lichen. This tree is a native of central Europe where it grows in mixed woods, thickets and rocky places. It was introduced to Britain in 1700 and is usually grafted on to a rootstock of Common Ash.
The leaves are opposite with 5 to 9 stalked leaflets; the veins on the underside are usually hairy at the base. The leaf buds are grey or brown, unlike those of the Common Ash which are black.
Flowers: It is distinctive among ashes for its abundant creamy-white flowers which come out with the leaves in the spring.
Uses: The sap is collected as a pale yellow gum that dries on contact with air. This is then made into a syrup which is used as a mild laxative.
Location : one tree with a collection of ash species towards the bottom of the grounds; square S17, and one in the Special Collection by the Memorial Garden; square K1; tag 01.