A compound of potassium. The name was obtained by steeping wood ashes in an iron pot. Pot-Ash.
Potash is necessary to healthy plant growth. Under ordinary cultivation soils become depleted, that why we add manure, compost or special potash fertilizers. A good source is the wood ashes from your fireplace.
Potash helps strengthen the stem and leaf growth, and improves flowers, fruit, seeds and especially root crops (potatoes-beets-onions)