Athel tamarisk, Tamarix manna
Tamarix aphylla

Family: Tamaricaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 10 m tall. The bark is grey or reddish brown. The branches are erect and spreading. The leaves form a sheath around the small branches. The tip has an abrupt sharp point. The flowering shoot is 3-6 cm long. The flowers have 5 parts. They have a small flower stalk. The flowers are pinkish or white.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows well in desert regions. It will tolerate salt spray and salty soils. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the Sahara. In Northeastern India it grows up to 900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Arabia, Asia, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa (country/location of origin), Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Taiwan, Tunisia, USA, West Africa, West Indies, Yemen

How it is used for food

The sweet manna from the twigs is eaten with porridge or mixed with water to make a drink.

Edible parts

Manna, gum, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Dhuur, Ghaaz, Ghaz, Ghazga, Khora-gaz, Lathel

Synonyms

Tamarix auriculata Ehr.; Tamarix orientalis Forssk.; Thuja aphylla Linn.;