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.