The gender tamarix, known as tamarisk, tamarisk o tamarisk, brings together shrubs and small trees with a feathery appearance and enormous rusticity. They are distinguished by their tiny leaves in the form of scales and its spectacular spring flowering in pink or whitish tones, in addition to a very vigorous root system which explains its remarkable resistance to drought and saline soils. Below you will find a complete and practical guide to its characteristics, care y multiplication, as well as specific recommendations for its use in the garden and as a bonsai.
Botanical description of Tamarix (taray or tamarisk)
The tamarisks are deciduous shrubs or small trees of fine and elegant appearance. Although its scaly leaves are reminiscent of conifers, they are not: During winter dormancy, they lose their foliage or it turns yellow and remains attached for a while until sprouting. The shoots are thin, highly branched and with a tendency to grow upright, which reinforces its silhouette feathery or a crybaby if you give them shape.
The foliage is made up of blue-green leaves, imbricated and tiny, which completely cover the twigs, reminiscent of the cupressus. Many species excrete excess salt through the foliage in the form of tiny crystals, a key adaptation for living in brackish soils. The bark of the trunk and old branches is brownish and cracked, and contrasts with the young twigs, with reddish or purple tones.
The root system combines a taproot that can go several meters deeper in search of moisture with superficial horizontal roots capable of emitting suckersThis underground vigor facilitates its rooting in difficult environments, but it is advisable to avoid planting them too close to pipes, pools or foundations.
Flowers, fruiting and cycle
The tamarisk blooms before summer or in late spring, generally before the leaves have completely emerged. The flowers are lowercase (2-3 mm), with five petals and five stamens, grouped in dense cylindrical pins that cover the ends of the branches like a pink or white cloud. In some varieties and conditions, whitish or yellowish flowers may be seen.
After flowering, the fruits appear, small dehiscent capsules (often with three valves) that release numerous seeds provided with a feathery tuft, which favors its dispersion throughout the wind (anemophilous) and also by the water (hydrochorous). In its natural environment, germination is favored by prolonged periods of saturated soil, keeping the substrate flooded for weeks or months to activate the process.
Habitat, ecology and tolerances
The tamarix show an extraordinary ecological plasticityThey live on dry slopes but also tolerate being almost submerged, hence their presence on river banks, marshes, reservoir edges and areas with high water tables. They are common as a natural band that festoons banks, since they support the water level fluctuations from one season to the next better than many competing species.
In addition, they stand out for their salinity resistance from the soil and air, which allows its cultivation in first coastline and its use as windbreaker in maritime gardens. As for temperatures, they can withstand from intense heat to frost, with thresholds varying according to the species and origin of the plant material. In areas with harsh winters, it is advisable protect young specimens during its first years of establishment.
Main cultivated species and taxonomy
The genus belongs to the family Tamaricaceae. In gardening and riverbank restoration they are frequent African tamarix, T. canariensis, T. gallica, T. hispida y T. ramosissima (also cited as T. pentandra). They all share the feathery appearance and resistance, with differences of bark coloration, flowering season o inflorescence sizeIn low river basins, T. africana It is especially common and is recognized by its pink spikes and more brownish compared to others with a more subtle tone grayish.
Landscape uses and restoration
The tamarisk is ideal for coastal gardens for its tolerance to wind and salt, as well as isolated specimen of seasonal interest as in alignments y free hedgesDue to its strong roots, it is used in dune fixation, stabilization of Slopes and restoration of riverbanks and estuaries. In wide spaces, its weeping appearance and the abundant flowering They provide a note of delicacy contrasting with their great resistance.
Gardening: light, soil, watering and fertilization
Locate the tamarisk full sun to ensure maximum flowering. Although it adapts to almost any terrain, it prefers soils light and well-drained (sandy loam) and grows vigorously in low-basic media; however, it tolerates limestone and even certain salinity. He is able to live with the wet feet for part of the year and face dry periods in summer.
In irrigation it is very UndemandingDuring establishment it is advisable to maintain the substrate slightly damp, preventing it from remaining dry for too long. In summer, it appreciates some additional watering, and you can leave dry the substrate between applicationsIn winter, local rainfall is usually sufficient, resuming irrigation before bud break if necessary.
Regarding the fertilizer, the species does not require it If the soil is minimally fertile. If you're looking to increase leaf mass or accelerate growth, fertilizers work. NPK with nitrogen y micronutrients During the growing season. For adult plants in the ground, one or two annual applications are sufficient; for potted plants, fertilizers are sufficient. light and regular every few weeks depending on vigor.
Pruning, training and maintenance
The tamarisk accepts the pruning, although it does not require constant intervention. You can thin out internal branches to improve ventilation, remove damaged wood or define if you want a bushy growth (keeping branches low) or clearly arboreal (clearing the trunk). Structural pruning is scheduled during rest, and maintenance cuts after flowering.
If an effect is desired weeping, new growth can be trained downwards with temporary supports or soft wire fencing. tender spring shoots They grow upright and accept light guidance well for a few weeks until memorize the curvature.
Propagation: seeds, shoots and cuttings
The genus Tamarix multiplies by seeds, suckers y cuttingsThe seeds are numerous and very fine, with a tuft that facilitates their dispersal; in cultivation, germination improves in substrates. very humid and stable. However, for amateurs and professionals, the fastest and most reliable is multiplication vegetative.
The suckers emitted from the base or superficial roots can be carefully separated and potted in a substrate fresh and oxygenated. As for cuttings, both the woody cuttings (winter) like the semi-woody cuttings (from early summer) take root easily. A very practical method is to submerge stakes in water during the warm season: in a few days they are observed estate and then transferred to a pot. The hardwood cuttings, planted deeply In draining substrate, they also take root with a high success rate.
Plagues and diseases
The tamarisk is resistant to pests and pathogens in most climates where it is grown. Under specific conditions, they may appear mealybugs of shell attached to young wood and, more specifically, attacks of weevils of the genre Coniatus that cause defoliation. Integrated management involves regular inspection, sanitary pruning of areas and, if necessary, localized treatments with potassium soaps or authorized oils. Avoid prolonged waterlogging in the pot and encourage the aeration reduces cryptogamic problems.
Quick cultivation sheet
- Suitable for: grassland, rockery, riparian restoration, coastal gardening.
- Type of use: massif, isolated specimen, alignments, free hedge, windbreak.
- Cultivation difficulty: amateur; very rustic and adaptable.
- Planting density: 1 plant per m2 in free hedges; space out more as a single specimen.
- Exhibition: direct sunlight.
- soil pH: tolerates all; best in not overly basic environments.
- Floor type: from light sandy loam to limestone or stony soil; good drainage is essential in the pot.
- Humidity of floor: from dry to fresh soil; tolerates periods of wet feet.
Grown as bonsai
Although the tamarisk is easy to cultivar in a pot for its resistance and sprouting, its aesthetic work requires strategy: not all techniques give the same result and their natural tendency to straight and spiky branches conditions the design. It is key to remember that, despite its scaly leaf, it is not a conifer; will respond better to techniques specific to deciduous trees.
Irrigation and substrate in bonsai
In bonsai it is particularly tolerant. Keep the substrate damp but not soggy, avoiding long periods of complete dryness. It supports a variety of mixtures, including components siliceous, calcareous or with a certain salinity. To maximize vigor, use well-aerated substrates with stable granulometry and irrigation water with Moderate pH.
Transplant and roots
The tamarisk develops a very dense root breadIn the formative phase it usually requires a transplant. Annual Pass or frequent. Tolerates without problems drastic root reductions If they are planted at the right time and protected from direct sunlight and wind, a pot full of roots after the season indicates good health and strength; if not, it's a good idea to review watering, fertilization, and exposure.
Wiring and conduction
Given natural growth straight of the branches, the wiring is almost essential to obtain movement and fall. The fences in autumn may be less fruitful if certain branches of that year dry out. Instead, take advantage of the summer and periods of greatest flexibility to gently shape, and remove in time to avoid marks.
Pinching, defoliation and styles
Pinching sprouts too early Verde can be translated into loss of twigs If they are not ripe yet, it is better to leave them stretch and then cuts, being able to accompany with partially defoliated in vigorous specimens. To achieve styles crybabies, after selective defoliation, the plant is left apical tip and is driven downwards for a few weeks until the fall is established. In addition to the weeping tree, the tamarisk tree accepts designs informal erect, inclined, semi-waterfall, waterfall, roots on rock, hugging a rock, twin trunks y kill style.
Safety and coexistence considerations
The vigor of its roots, comparable to that of the Sauces, advises planting prudent distance of pipes, concrete slabs, ponds or light walls. In small gardens, opt for flowerpots or by varieties and pruning that limit the root volume, always with good drainage.
Climate, wind and exposure
Tamarisks thrive in climates temperate y mediterranean, also tolerating colder areas if the appropriate species is chosen and the seedling is protected during its first winters. They are especially wind-resistantIncluding salty wind coastal, which makes them a valuable resource as plant screens or borders on the seafront.
Ethnobotanical notes and curiosities
In some regions they are appreciated sugary secretions induced by insects on branches, traditionally used as sweetener and related to the famous mannaThe bark, rich in tannins, has been used as a tanning agent and for its astringent power. Its effectiveness in riverbank restoration has made tamarisk a reference species in revegetation projects.
