This species is very closely related to Tamarix gallica[] and to the much hardier Tamarix juniperina[].

Common Name:

General Information

Tamarix africana is a deciduous shrub or a tree that can grow up to 7.50 metres tall
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge that is tolerant of maritime exposure
Tamarix africana has a large range and although population numbers and trends are not known they are likely to far exceed threatened thresholds. There are some threats affecting this species across its European range, but they are not considered significant. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Canary Islands; western and central Mediterranean from Portugal and Morocco to Italy and Libya

Habitat

Grows in the littoral, damp places and the sides of streams[]. Commonly forms thickets along seasonal rivers and ravines in dry areas, where the river banks and ravine beds accumulate a certain degree of salinity[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Tamarix africana can succeed outdoors in the milder parts of the temperate zone, tolerating occasiona, short-lived l temperatures falling to around -5 to -10°c.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and tolerant of saline conditions[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils as well as in sands and even shingle[]. Usually found near the coast, it succeeds inland if given a fairly good deep loam and a sunny position[, ]. Tolerant of maritime winds and dry soils when grown near the coast[], plants require a moister soil and shelter from cold drying winds when they are grown inland in non-saline soils because they use the soil salts that are found in saline soils to help them reduce transpiration[]. This species is also able to grow on sand dunes and, to certain degree, salt marshes, but there, it is much less competitive than more halophytic species such as Tamarix boveana[].
Growth can be restricted by cutting back the plants in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens[].
The plant is often used to strengthen slopes and escarpments prone to landslides[].

Other Uses

Tamarix species are generally a good source of tannins, which are often used medicinally or in dyes etc. All parts of the plant can be used, the roots contain around 16 - 18% tannins, whilst the leaves contain 11 - 12%[].

The wood of Tamarix species is usually hard and firm, and is suitable for turning[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15 - 25cm long, planted outdoors in late autumn in a nursery bed or straight into their permanent position. High percentage[, ].