Tamarix aphylla
(Linnaeus) H. Karsten
Athel tamarisk, Tamarix manna
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What to Eat
Edible parts: Manna, Gum, Fruit
A sweet, manna-like substance forms on the twigs and is used to adulterate cane sugar. It can also be eaten with porridge or mixed with water to make a refreshing drink.
Where to Find It
It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows well in desert regions. It will tolerate salt spray and salty soils. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the Sahara. In Northeastern India it grows up to 900 m above sea level.
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Arabia, Asia, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa*, Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Taiwan, Tunisia, USA, West Africa, West Indies, Yemen,
How to Identify
A shrub or tree. It grows 10 m tall. The bark is grey or reddish brown. The branches are erect and spreading. The leaves form a sheath around the small branches. The tip has an abrupt sharp point. The flowering shoot is 3-6 cm long. The flowers have 5 parts. They have a small flower stalk. The flowers are pinkish or white.
How to Grow
It can be grown from cuttings.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, barely covering it. When large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken in July or August root very easily in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current season's growth, 15–25cm long, can be planted outdoors in late autumn in a nursery bed or directly into their permanent position at a high success rate.
Medicinal Uses
The galls are astringent. The bark is astringent and bitter.
Other Uses
The plant is very tolerant of maritime exposure and makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens. Galls produced on the twigs and flowers — probably as a result of insect activity — contain up to 55% tannin. The wood has been used for fuel.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Tamarix aphylla is the largest known species of Tamarix, with heights up to 18 metres (59 ft). The species has a variety of common names, including Athel tamarisk, Athel tree, and Athel pine. It is an evergreen tree, native across North, East, and Central Africa, through the Middle East, and into parts of Western and Southern Asia.
Names & Synonyms
Dhuur, Ghaaz, Ghaz, Ghazga, Khora-gaz, Lathel
References (12)
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- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 320 (As Tamarix auriculata)
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