natural herbs
Tamarisk
Tamarix ramosissima
Herb: Tamarisk
Latin name: Tamarix ramosissima
Synonyms: Tamarix odessana, Tamarix pallasii, Tamarix pentandra
Family: Tamaricaceae (Tamarisk Family)
Edible parts of Tamarisk:
A manna is produced by the plants in response to insect damage to the stems. It is sweet and mucilaginous and is used in confectionery.Description of the plant:
Plant:
DeciduousShrub
Height:
4.5 m(15 feet)
Flowering:
August toSeptember
Habitat of the herb:
Saline soils.Other uses of Tamarisk:
Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens. It does not like being trimmed. Plants have an extensive root system and can be used to control the erosion of sand dunes and other sandy soils.Propagation of the herb:
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.Cultivation of Tamarisk:
Saline soils.Medicinal use of the herb:
None knownKnown hazards of Tamarix ramosissima:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.