TAMARISK  . The genus Tamarix gives its name to a small

group of shrubs or low trees constituting the tamarisk family Tamaricaceae . The species of tamarisk and of the very closely allied genus Myricaria grow in salt-deserts, by the sea-shore, or in other more or less sterile localities in warm, temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of the eastern hemisphere . Their long slender branches bear very numerous small appressed leaves, in which the evaporating surface is reduced to a minimum . The flowers are minute and numerous, in long clusters at the Reformed Judaism . ends of the branches or from the trunk . Each has 4-5 free sepals, and as many petals springing with the 4-10 stamens from a fleshy disk . In Tamarix the stamens are free, while in Myricaria they are united into one parcel . The free ovary is one-celled, with basal placentas, and surmounted by 3-5 styles . The fruit is capsular, and contains numerous seeds, each usually with a long tuft of hairs at one end . The great value of these shrubs or trees lies in their ability to withstand the effects of drought and a saline soil, in consequence of which they grow where little else can flourish . On this account the common tamarisk, T. gallica, is planted on sea-coasts, and affords shelter where none other could be provided .

Some species produce

galls, valued for their tannin, while the astringent bark of others has occasionally been used for medicinal purposes . The ashes of the plant, when grown near the sea, are said to contain soda . For tamarisk manna, see MANNA .