African tamarix

View of the African Tamarix

Image - Wikimedia / Xemenendura

El African tamarix It is the perfect little tree or shrub for those who want to have a very drought-resistant plant capable of withstanding high temperatures and the occasional frost. Its maintenance is, as you can guess, very simple, since it also does not have pests or diseases beyond those it could have if it is not cared for correctly.

But so you know how to keep it healthy, then I am going to tell you what its characteristics and its cultivation are. Thus, you will be able to take the necessary measures to have this magnificent plant in your garden.

Origin and characteristics

View of the Tamarix africana in habitat

Image - Wikimedia / Xemenendura

Our protagonist is a shrub or seedling native to the western Mediterranean whose scientific name is African tamarix. It is popularly known as taraje or taray, and it is an evergreen plant with very small leaves, 1,5 to 4mm, similar to those of the Cupressus. These sprout from long, flexible branches, dark reddish-brown in color.

The flowers are grouped in thick, cylindrical spikes, 3 to 6 cm in diameter, and are white or pale pink. Blooms in spring and summer. The fruit is an ovate capsule.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy of taray, something that I personally recommend, follow our advice:

Location

Plant your seedling outside, in full sun. It is not considered an invasive plant, but put it at least 5 meters away from pipes and others to avoid problems.

Earth

The flowers of the African Tamarix can be pink or white

Image - Flickr / jacilluch

Being small, it is suitable for both gardens and pots, so that:

  • Potting substrate: it can be the universal one that they sell in any nursery, be it online or physical.
  • Garden soil: grows in sandy soils with good drainage. It is well adapted to growing in clay soils.

Irrigation

El African tamarix It is very resistant to drought, but beware: only as an adult and once it has been planted in the ground for a long time (more than a year). If that is not the case, it is convenient to water it 2-3 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year. When in doubt, check the soil's moisture by doing any of the following:

  • Use a digital moisture meter: when you insert it, it will tell you instantly how wet the soil is that has come into contact with the meter.
  • Insert a wooden stick: when you remove it, if you see that it comes out with a lot of adhering soil, do not water as it will mean that it is still very wet.
  • Weigh the pot once watered and again after a few days: if you notice that it weighs much less, water.

And if you still don't trust, wait a few more days. It is much easier to recover a plant that is going thirsty than one that has waterlogged roots.

Feeder of tare

The manure guano powder is very good for the Tamarix africana

Guano powder.

In spring and summer can be paid with a little guano once a month. It is not something that is strictly necessary, but it is advisable so that it grows faster and with more health. If you live in an area with a mild climate, fertilize it until fall.

Pruning

Don't need it. Only dry, diseased, or weak branches are cut in late winter.

Multiplication

Multiply by seeds, cuttings and shoots in spring. Let's see how to proceed in each case:

Seeds

  1. First, fill a forest seedling tray with universal growing medium.
  2. Then, water thoroughly and sprinkle with copper or sulfur.
  3. Next, sow a maximum of two seeds in each socket and cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
  4. Then water again, this time with a sprayer.
  5. Finally, place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade.

If everything goes fine, will germinate in 1-2 months.

Cuttings

To multiply by African tamarix for cuttings you only have to cut a branch of about 40cm long, impregnate the base with homemade rooting agents and then plant it in a pot with vermiculite previously watered.

Placing it in semi-shade and keeping the substrate moist, will emit its own roots in 2-3 weeks.

Suckers

The suckers can be separated from the mother plant when they are easily manipulated in size. Plant them in pots with universal growing medium, and water them with homemade rooters for the first month.

Planting or transplanting time

It is planted or late winter, or in autumn if the weather is warm. In case of having it in a pot, transplant to a larger one every 2 years.

Rusticity

It resists frosts of up to -12ºC.

What uses does it have?

The African Tamarix can be worked as bonsai

Image - valavanisbonsaiblog.com

It is used as an ornamental, both as an isolated specimen and in groups. Tarage is a plant that, by withstanding high temperatures and cold, as well as salinity, is found in gardens near the coast, be they small, medium or large.

It is also a good species for bonsai. Their care as such are:

Bonsai African tamarix

  • Location: outside, in full sun.
  • Substratum: 100% akadama or mixed with 30% kiryuzuna.
  • Irrigation: every 2 days in summer, and every 3-4 days the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: with a specific liquid fertilizer for bonsai, following the instructions specified on the package.
  • Pruning: late winter. Cut the branches that have grown in excess, those that intersect and those that are diseased.
  • Style: everyone. You have more information about it here.

I hope you liked the tree. 🙂


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.