African tamarisk
Tamarix africana

Family: Tamaricaceae

What it is like

Tamarix africana is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Grows in the littoral, damp places and the sides of streams.

S.W. Europe to N. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

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 only hardy outdoors in the milder parts of the country. Growth can be restricted by cutting back the plants in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time. Very closely related to T. gallica and to the much hardier T. juniperina. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: 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, July/August 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tamarix hispanica.