Athel tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla, Deut. Fl.: 641 (1882))

Family: Tamaricaceae

Author: (L.) H.Karst.

Bibliography: Deut. Fl.: 641 (1882)

Year: 1882

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tamarix

Vegetable: False

Observations: Sahara to India

Description

The Athel tamarisk, scientifically known as Tamarix aphylla, is a versatile and resilient tree that thrives in arid conditions, making it a common sight from the vast expanses of the Sahara to the diverse regions of India. Belonging to the family Tamaricaceae, this tree is specially adapted to withstand harsh environments where many other plant species would fail to survive.

Characterized by its ability to grow in sandy and saline soils, the Athel tamarisk is an evergreen tree that can reach considerable heights, often forming dense thickets. Its slender branches and tiny scale-like leaves give it a feathery appearance, making it quite distinctive. The tree’s foliage is adapted to reduce water loss, a critical feature for its survival in desert climates.

Historically, the Athel tamarisk has been utilized for various purposes. Its dense canopies provide much-needed shade and shelter in arid regions, and it has often been planted as a windbreak to protect against soil erosion. Additionally, its wood can be used for fuel and construction, and its foliage can offer some forage for livestock.

An interesting ecological aspect of the Athel tamarisk is its salt tolerance. The tree can excrete salt through its leaves, which enables it to thrive in saline environments where other species would struggle. However, this salt excretion can alter the surrounding soil conditions, impacting the local ecosystem.

First documented in the Deuteronomische Flora in 1882, the Athel tamarisk has garnered attention not only for its resilience and adaptability but also for its potential environmental impacts. It continues to be a subject of study, particularly in the context of its invasive potential in regions outside its native range.

In conclusion, the Athel tamarisk is a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability, flourishing where few other plants can. Its unique characteristics and ecological impact make it a significant species in the study of desert flora and environmental adaptation.

Common Names

Eng: athel tamarisk, athel-pine, atheltree, desert tamarix, salt-cedar, saltcedar, tamarisk, tamarix
Deu: tamariske
Fra: tamaris
Spa: taray
Afr: woestyntamarisk
En: Athel tamarisk, Athel-pine, Atheltree, Desert tamarix, Salt-cedar, Saltcedar, Tamarisk, Tamarix, Athel
Af: Woestyntamarisk
Fr: Tamaris
De: Tamariske
Es: Taray

Synonyms

• Tamarix furas (Buch.-Ham. ex Royle)
• Tamarix pharas (Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.)
• Tamarix faras (Edgew.)
• Tamarix orientalis (Forssk.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Chad (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Libya (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Niger (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Arizona (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• Phoenix Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by dominique rojat (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by dominique rojat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Anton Ko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by dominique rojat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Anton Ko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 27, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by dominique rojat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Anton Ko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874704)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828051-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tamarix aphylla (L.) H.Karst.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth