Tropical ash
was originally introduced in 1880 as a shade tree, but has been planted
in Hawai‘i as a forest and watershed cover tree since the 1920s. It grows
to about 80 feet in height and three feet in diameter. The wood is white
and similar to white ash, but is moderately hard and light weight (specific
gravity .47). It has applications in furniture for its especially light
coloring and fine grain. More of the wood is expected to be available from
state plantings in coming years.
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