Tamarix L. (1753), in the family Tamaricaceae, contains around 50 species in Europe and Asia, with heath-like stems and leaves (Erica). Description Trees to 10m, or large shrubs. The leaves are alternate, deciduous, small, and scale-like. The flowers are small, usually produced in great numbers, on short spikes, each flower with 1 small bract. Sepals 4 or 5; petals 4 or 5, usually pink, sometimes remaining dry and papery after the flower has faded, usually around 3mm long, and 6mm at most. Stamens 4 or 5, and often more. The ovary is 1-celled, of 2–5 fused carpels, with 3 or 4 short styles, surrounded by a disc that secretes nectar. Pollination is by insects. The fruits are capsules, containing seeds with scales or hairs to aid distribution by wind. Key Recognition Features The heath-like stems and the spikes of minute, pink flowers. Evolution and Relationships The family Tamaricaceae is closest to Frankeniaceae Desv., which includes the dwarf carpeting sea heath, Frankenia laevis L. found in sandy salt-marshes. Myricaria Desvaux is close to Tamarix, but has larger leaves and 10 stamens fused into a tube at the base. Reaumeria L., which ranges from eastern Europe to Pakistan, has pink, rock-rose-like flowers (Helianthemum Mill.) to 3cm across. All are physiologically specialised to grow in salty soils. Ecology and Geography In sandy places, usually by the sea or in deserts inland, but also on bare gravel by mountain rivers. Ranges from the Canaries and western Europe across Asia to China, with
1 species in southwest Africa. Comment Tamarix are useful plants for shelter by the sea or in cold desert conditions. Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. and some other species grow well in ordinary gardens, and can be pruned into attractive weeping trees. |
