Tamarix ramosissima 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 chinensis Lour.; Tamarix canariensis Willd.; and Tamarix gallica L.

Common Name: Tamarisk

General Information

Tamarix ramosissima is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow around 1 - 5 metres tall, occasionally to 6 metres or more in suitable habitats. 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[, ].
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. The plant can be used in soil stabilization projects, and is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge
Tamarix ramosissima s widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].
Tamarix ramosissima is listed in a list of the 100 world's worst invasive plants. It is cultivated as an ornamental and to provide shelter from the wind. It has an extremely high reproduction rate, the ability to produce seeds over a very long time period (throughout the growing season), very efficient means of seed dispersal, the ability to reproduce vegetatively as well as by seed, and mechanisms for rapid seed germination and seedling establishment. It has managed to become naturalized in several areas outside its native range and is a declared noxious weed in the USA[]. It often colonizes human made aquatic habitats like waste water and irrigation systems[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Eastern Europe from Greece to southern European Russia, east through central Asia to Mongolia and northern China

Habitat

River sides, river valleys, around fresh water and brackish water wetland, sandy or clayey salty plains, sand dunes, often on saline soils and often forming dense riparian vegetation with great value for keeping biodiversity[, , ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tamarix ramosissima is a plant mainly of the arid to moist temperate regions of Asia and East Europe[]. It has a wide climatic tolerance and can succeed in regions where winter temperatures can fall as low as -20°c whilst summers can rech 45°c or more[].
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[].
Plants are tolerant of flooding and can survive for up to 2 months even if totally submerged[].
This species flowers on the current year's growth[]. Any pruning is best carried out in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time[]. Plants are tolerant of severe pruning, sprouting freely from old wood[].
Tamarix plants have salt glands and exert salt causing salt rain under their shrubs. Therefore, these plants need leaching by fresh water during their life cycle[].
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 manna is produced by the plants in response to insect damage to the stems[]. It is sweet and mucilaginous and is used in confectionery[].

Medicinal

Tamarisk leaves are used as a home remedy for spleen complaints[].

An infusion of the branches is used as a treatment for rheumatism[].

The flowers are used in the treatment of jaundice[].

The bark serves as an astringent in cases of haemorrhage[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens[]. It does not like being trimmed[].
Plants have an extensive root system and can be used to control the erosion of sand dunes and other sandy soils[].
The flowers are a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees. The honey is deemed to have an off-flavour and is only used in the baking industry[].

Other Uses

This species is 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 is used for fence posts and various small objects[].
Tamarix shrubs have been used in many parts of the range for fuel purposes[]. The wood is waxy and burns well even when green[, ].

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[, ].