Ornus

Ornus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae, commonly known as the ash trees. The genus contains deciduous trees native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa. These trees are characterized by their opposite, pinnately compound leaves and their winged fruits called samaras.

The most well-known species within the genus is Fraxinus excelsior, the European ash, which is widespread across Europe and is a significant component of many forest ecosystems. Another notable species is Fraxinus ornus, the flowering ash, found in southern Europe and southwestern Asia, which is distinctive for its creamy white, fragrant flowers that appear in late spring.

Ornus species play important ecological roles, providing habitat and food for various wildlife. They are also valued for their timber, which is strong, hard, and elastic, making it suitable for furniture, tool handles, sports equipment, and musical instruments.

However, many ornus species are currently facing severe threats, most notably from the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), an invasive insect pest that has caused widespread mortality of ash trees in North America and is now present in Europe. Additionally, ash dieback, a fungal disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is devastating ash populations across Europe. These threats have led to a significant decline in ash populations and are a major concern for biodiversity and forest health. Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining healthy ash trees and to explore strategies for managing these threats.