Tamarix canariensis is one of four very closely related species that can be very hard to distinguish from each other, the distinctions being based on differences in morphology of the nectary disk and staminal filaments that are often difficult to separate, as the traits are not clearly or unequivocally expressed. The other three species are Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.: Tamarix chinensis Lour.; and Tamarix gallica L.

Common Name: Tamarisk

General Information

Tamarix canariensis is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4 metres tall[]. Tamarix species are deep-rooted plants with taproots up to 30 metres long and lateral roots up to 50 metres long that can produce suckers[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge.
Tamaric canariensis is restricted to Macaronesia, being found on Cape Verde and all the islands of the Canary Islands.. The species does not appear to be threatened at present and so it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].
Tamarix canariensis is fast growing and adapted to extreme environments, with high seed dispersal and vegetative reproduction capacity. It can certainly become an aggressive colonizer on fertile soils and is considered as an alien invasive species in Texas[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Macaronesia - Canary Islands, Cape Verde

Habitat

Coastal zones, lower parts of ravines, sandy dunes and on the banks of temporary wetlands and ponds with a certain degree of salinity, estuarine areas ; mainly near sea level, but ascending to 550 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tamarix canariensis is not very hardy outdoors in the temperate zone, but it succeeds in the milder areas, tolerating short periods when temperatures fall to between -5 and -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[].
Growth can be restricted by cutting back the plants in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time[].
Adventitious buds in the crown area sprout when the upper part of the plant is killed or injured; new sprouts may grow 2 - 3 metres in 1 year[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

A sweet manna-like substance that exudes from the stems is collected and mixed with flour, sugar and almonds, formed into cakes and baked as a sweetmeat[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens.

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 tree is used locally for its wood[]. Highly valued for carpentry[].

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[, ].