Family Name: Oleaceae
Botanical Name(s): Fraxinus excelsior
Popular Name(s): European Ash
Parts Used: Bark and leaves
Habitat: Bird's Tongue is native to Europe.
Description: Bird's Tongue is a deciduous tree which grows to a
height of 100 to 130 feet. Its leaves are 20-35 cm long, pinnate
compound, with 9-13 ovate, acute leaflets. Its flowers open before the
leaves. The female flowers are little bit longer than the male flowers.
The flowers are dark purple in colour and without petals. Both male and
female flowers can occur on the same tree but this seldom happens. The
fruits are one-seeded.
Uses: Bird's Tongue's bark has diuretic and febrifuge
properties. Its leaves possess cathartic properties. The tea prepared
using its leaves is used as a mild purgative and cures rheumatism. Its
bark is effective in reducing fever.
