Contents
Description
Tamaricaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes about 90 species of shrubs and small trees. They are commonly known as tamarisks or saltcedars and are native to different regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Tamarisks are often planted for ornamental purposes, erosion control, or as a source of wood or fuel. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Tamaricaceae |
| Genus | Tamarix |
Appearance
Tamarisks are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees that reach a height of up to 10 meters. They have slender branches and small, scale-like leaves that are often grey-green or bluish in color. Tamarisk flowers are small and pink or white, and they bloom in late summer or early fall. The fruits are small capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Tamarisks are easy to care for and grow in a variety of soil types. Here are some tips for their care:- Water: Tamarisks are drought-tolerant and do not require much water. However, they do best when watered deeply once a week during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Tamarisks do not require much fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer applied once a year in the spring can help promote growth and flowering.- Soil: Tamarisks prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. They can tolerate poor soil and salt spray.- Sunlight: Tamarisks require full sun to thrive. They can tolerate some shade but do not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Tamarisks are hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tamarisks are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from tamarisk leaves and cause them to wilt and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can also suck the sap from tamarisk leaves and cause them to become discolored and distorted. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on tamarisk leaves and defoliation. It can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Tamarisks are native to different regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. They grow in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, riverbanks, and salt flats. Tamarisks are often planted as an ornamental or for erosion control in areas with poor soil and little water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can tamarisks tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, tamarisks are salt-tolerant and can grow in areas with salt spray.
Q: How often should I water tamarisks?
A: Tamarisks are drought-tolerant and do not require much water. However, they do best when watered deeply once a week during hot and dry weather.
Q: Do tamarisks require pruning?
A: Tamarisks do not require pruning but can be pruned to maintain their shape or to remove dead or damaged wood.
Q: Are tamarisks invasive?
A: Some tamarisk species, such as Tamarix ramosissima, have become invasive in some areas of North America.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Tamaricaceae family:- Myricaria: a genus of shrubs or small trees with pink or white flowers and native to Asia and Europe.- Reaumuria: a genus of small shrubs with pink or purple flowers and native to Africa, Asia, and Europe.- Tamarix: a genus of shrubs or small trees with pink or white flowers and native to different regions of the world.
References
– “Tamaricaceae.” The Plant List. Accessed August 18, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Tamaricaceae/.- “Tamarix.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 18, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287672.
