Tamarix aphylla (Athel Tamarisk, Athel Tamarix, Athel, Athel Pine, Athel Tree, Desert Tamarisk, Flowering Cypress, Salt Cedar, Tamarisk, (Urdu and Hindi); Farash, ????, (Punjab); Kooan, ????, (Baluchi); Shakargaaz, Siahgaa)


Botanical Information

FamilyTamaricaceae
GenusTamarix
Speciesaphylla
SynonymsTamarix articulata, Tamarix orientalis.
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginWest Asia to North East Africa including Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Bark and insect induced galls are used for dyeing and tanning. Additionally the plant has many medicinal uses primarily in the treatment of skin diseases. Branches are harvested and are pliable enough to be used in basketry. A sweet substance formed on the branches can be used to flavour porridge or made into a drink.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7-10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8a-9b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2-H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height10-15 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, July, November, December

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA species that is tolerant of waterlogged and saline soils it thrives under extreme ecological conditions and plays an important part in soil restoration in its native habitat, however out of its natural range it may become a problematic (invasive) species.
LandscapeWindbreak, seashore plantings, reforestation and land reclamation projects and as a firebreak species since its high salt content make the wood difficult to burn.
PropagationEasily by seed sown in flats or a coldframe. Semi-hardwood cuttings in July or August which root quite freely. After one years growth seedling can reach a heights of up to 1 m, with plants under ideal conditions growing from 2-5 m year.
CultivationPlant in full sun as it is intolerant of shade, tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions including maritime exposure. It is considered an invasive (weed) species in south, west and the Northern Territories of Australia
HabitatA dominant species of the tropical thorn forests often in wadis in hot deserts and in salty and non-salty environments.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe tree is often multi-stemmed, the bark being rough and deeply furrowed and dark grey or greyish-brown in colour. The young stems are smooth, jointed, and have a bluish-green or greyish-green appearance to them.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are small, 1-2 mm, arranged alternately along the branch and can exude salt, often at times giving the plant a grey or dull character.
Flower DescriptionIndividual flowers are hermaphrodite, stalkless, 2 mm long, pale pink to white with 3-6 cm long clusters borne on branch tips and pollinated by insects.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a small bell-shaped capsule, 2-3 mm long and contains many very small seeds that are topped with a tuft of tiny hairs.

Photographs