I spotted this small tree (about 4 metres) in a park. It was not labelled. I was surprised to see that the leathery, dark green leaves were compound. Then I had a closer look at the buds : they look like Fraxinus, and the bark of the trunk and branches too. Anyone seen this one, and can name it ?
In Sicily, I saw some Fraxinus ornus (frêne à manne), and bought some sort of sweets made from the "manna". But I think the trees are quite similar to the Frax. exc. I must ask the chief gardener, but I'm not sure he'll know.
Discarding my incorrect Sec. Ornus determination here is a one that might be your mystery (despite the link title the particular cultivar appears when the link is opened): Fraxinus excelsior - Trees and Shrubs Online
Thanks Ron B, It definitely looks like it : The leaves of Fraxinus excelsior 'Crispa' are crumpled and curled, and are an extraordinarily dark green And : A rigid, stunted thing... Even allowing for this being the end of a hot, dry summer The second photo exactly shows the upright port of the branches. Merci pour ton aide, et tes éclaircicements.
Agree with Ron's 2nd determination of a Fraxinus excelsior cultivar - note the black buds. F. ornus (and relatives) has pale brown buds: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fraxinus_ornus_(subsp._ornus)_sl21.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Мъждрян_–_клонка_5.jpg
