Tamarix smyrnensis

Description

Tamarix smyrnensis is a plant species of the genus Tamarisk (Tamarix) and the family Tamaricaceae. It is a shrub or small tree that reaches heights of up to 4 meters.

### Leaves and Flowers

The leaves are scale-shaped, seated, and have a narrow base. They measure 2-3 mm in length and 1.15 cm in width. The flowers are five-fold with a double flower shell, and are pink or white in color. Each flower measures about 14 cm in length and 3.4 mm in width.

### Reproduction

The plant produces dense clusters of small, white flowers at the end of branches or on axils. The crown leaves are keeled, and the stamens sit between the lobes of the nectar disc. The upper supporting blades are more or less glabrous and triangular kite-shaped.

Distribution and Habitat

Tamarix smyrnensis is found in the Eastern Mediterranean and Orient regions. Its range includes:

* Southeast Europe: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Northern Macedonia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine (Crimea), and parts of Russia
* Western and South-West Asia: Turkey, Cyprus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan

The species grows on river banks, sand coasts, and along streams.

Taxonomy

Tamarix smyrnensis has 24 chromosomes (2n = 24).

Reproduction Period

The flowering time is from April to August, with the peak period being from April to June.

Seeding

The seeds are produced in dense clusters at the end of branches or on axils.