Common Name:

General Information

Tamarix smyrnensis is a shrub or a small tree growing up to 4 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It can be used in phytoremediation projects to remove heavy metals..
Tamarix smyrnensis has a very large extent of occurrence and, although there are various local threats there are no overall global threats at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Europe - Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, southern European Russia, through Turkey and the Caucasus to Afghanistan and Pakistan

Habitat

Along streams and river banks, in sandy coastal areas and marshy ground; at elevations up to 600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Habit	Tree
Height	0.00 m

Cultivation Details

Tamarix smyrnensis

Edible Uses

None known

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:

The species may be useful in phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals[]

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[]. The wood of this species was previously used to make ships[].
The wood is waxy and can be used for fuel, burning well even when green[].

Propagation

Seed -