Quick facts
| Arabic name | الأثل |
|---|---|
| English name | Athel (Tamarisk) |
| Scientific name | Tamarix aphylla |
| Family | Tamarisk family (Tamaricaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen tree |
| Height | Usually 8 to 12 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
October to February
From cuttings in winterA shade and windbreak tree; not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Thin, jointed grey-green branches with tiny scale leaves, sometimes with salt crystals on them. Small pink to white flowers on spikes.
Where it grows
Grows in valleys and around oases and farms in many regions, including Riyadh, Al-Qassim, Madinah, Najran, the Eastern Province, Tabuk and the Northern Borders.
Soil
Handles salty, sandy and poor soil very well.
Water and irrigation
Drought tolerant with deep roots. Grows faster with watering.
Climate and light
Strong heat, wind and full sun.
Propagation
Easily from woody cuttings, and also from seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Windbreaks and protection from moving sand
- Shade
- Its wood was used for Najdi doors and roofs
Drawbacks
- Spreading roots can damage buildings and pipes
- Its fallen leaves are salty and stop plants growing under it
- Can spread too much in some places
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Tamarix aphylla
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Tamarix aphylla
- Wikipedia: Tamarix aphylla
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)