Tamarix aphylla Carl Linnaeus (L.) Karst.
Athel tree- Athel pine
Evergreen tree, growing 18 m high, 60-80 in diam, Twigs drooping needle like up to 15 mm diameter, jointed , older twigs greenish-brown hairless leaves bluish- green, alternate, reduced to tiny scales unsheathing wiry twigs and ending in points, hairless, often with epidermal salt glands each forming a joint along the twig flowers many, nearly stalkless, whitish-pink, in racemes, drooping fruit capsule, many, narrow, pointed 5 mm long
Ornamental tree. popular habitats include sand dune, canals, riverbanks, wadi beds, salty deserts, salt marches and coastal plains. wood can be exploited for fuel. the tree is drought, heat, salt and frost tolerant. Tender branches and leaves provide high value forage, particularly during the dry period. However, a high salt content necessitates additional watering of livestock. the wood chips easily with little dust being produced. Chips are of good quality and color, suitable for manufacture of particleboard. Twigs are used for basket making. An important tree for shade. Very useful for obtaining temporary shelter as quickly as possible, which can be removed once the adjacent longer-term shelterbelt has attained sufficient size. The bark is also a rich source of tannin and mordant for dyeing. A sweet manna-like substance that forms on the twigs is used to adulterate cane sugar. It can also be eaten with porridge etc.. or mixed with water to make a refreshing drink
Tamarix articulata Vahl- Tamarix orientalis Forssk
.The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
