Hubbry Logo
Tamarix chinensisTamarix chinensisMain
Open search
Tamarix chinensis
Community hub
Tamarix chinensis
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tamarix chinensis
Tamarix chinensis
from Wikipedia

Tamarix chinensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Tamaricaceae
Genus: Tamarix
Species:
T. chinensis
Binomial name
Tamarix chinensis
Synonyms[2]
  • Tamarix gallica var. chinensis (Lour.) Ehrenb.
  • Tamarix caspica Dippel
  • Tamarix elegans Spach
  • Tamarix elegans plumosa J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies
  • Tamarix japonica Dippel
  • Tamarix juniperina Bunge
  • Tamarix pallasii var. minutiflora Bunge
  • Tamarix plumosa Carrière

Tamarix chinensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Tamaricaceae.[2][3] It is sometimes referred to by the common names five-stamen tamarisk[4] and Chinese tamarisk[5] or saltcedar. It is native to China and Korea, and it is known in many other parts of the world as an introduced species and sometimes an invasive noxious weed. It easily inhabits moist habitat with saline soils. It may grow as a tree with a single trunk or as a shrub with several spreading erect branches reaching 6 metres or more in maximum height. It has been known to reach 12 metres.[6] It has reddish, brown, or black bark. The small, multibranched twigs are covered in small lance-shaped, scale-like leaves which are no more than about 3 mm long. The inflorescence is a dense raceme of flowers a few cm long. Each fragrant flower has five petals which are usually pink but range from white to red.

This tamarisk hybridizes commonly with T. ramosissima in the North American invasion[7].

It has become an aggressive invader of wildlands in the southwestern United States, where it was once planted as an ornamental plant.[6] It reproduces vegetatively from its roots and also from its foliage if it happens to be covered by soil, as in sediment-rich flooding.[6] It also reproduces by its seed, which are tiny and tufted with hairs, easily dispersing on the wind.[6] Despite its reputation as a noxious weed, the tree can be useful for wood, in honey production, and as a nesting site for various birds.[6]

In its native habitat in China the plant forms thickets that act as useful barriers on the margins of waterways, including saline ocean shores.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tamarix chinensis Lour., commonly known as Chinese tamarisk or five-stamen tamarisk, is a or small in the Tamaricaceae, native to eastern , particularly northern and eastern , , and Korea. It typically grows 3–8 meters tall, with slender, often pendulous, red-purple branchlets bearing small, scale-like, green leaves that are oblong-lanceolate to ovate, measuring 1–3 mm in length. The plant produces 5-merous flowers with pink petals about 2 mm long and five stamens, arranged in dense racemes forming terminal panicles; it blooms multiple times from spring to fall, producing small capsules containing numerous seeds with a tuft of hairs for wind dispersal. In its native range, it inhabits plains along rivers, seashores, moist salty places, and sandy areas, thriving in saline soils up to 15,000 ppm sodium and seasonally saturated conditions. Introduced to in the early for ornamental purposes and , T. chinensis has become widely naturalized and highly invasive, particularly in the , where it occupies riparian zones, streambanks, lake margins, wetlands, and saline meadows from sea level to 2,500 m elevation. Its current distribution in the U.S. includes states such as , , , , , , , , , and , with occasional occurrences farther east. The species often hybridizes with the closely related , complicating identification and management. As an , T. chinensis poses significant ecological threats by outcompeting native vegetation, altering and chemistry through excretion of salt from glands on leaves, reducing availability via high rates, and increasing frequency and intensity due to its flammable foliage. It disrupts riparian habitats critical for , leading to declines in native and diversity, and is listed as a federal in the United States. Control efforts include mechanical removal, herbicide application, and biological agents like the tamarisk (Diorhabda spp.), though eradication is challenging due to prolific seed production and .

Taxonomy

Classification

Tamarix chinensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales, family Tamaricaceae, genus Tamarix, and species T. chinensis. The species was first described by João de Loureiro in his 1790 work Flora Cochinchinensis. Within the Tamaricaceae family, which comprises approximately 80 species of shrubs and small trees adapted to saline and arid environments, Tamarix chinensis shares halophytic traits such as salt excretion glands that enable tolerance to high levels.

Etymology and synonyms

The genus name originates from ancient designations for the tamarisk plant in Hebrew ('eshel) and (athl or tamr), terms that highlight its long-standing cultural and ecological significance in those regions. The specific chinensis is a Latin adjective meaning "from ," reflecting the species' native range in eastern . Tamarix chinensis was first formally described by João de Loureiro in his Flora Cochinchinensis in 1790, based on material collected in Cochinchina (present-day southern Vietnam), though subsequent studies confirmed its primary distribution in China. This description marked an early attempt to classify the species within the genus, amid broader taxonomic efforts to delineate tamarisks introduced or native to Asia. Over time, nomenclatural revisions have clarified its status, with modern floras such as the Flora of North America and Flora of China accepting T. chinensis as the valid name while resolving historical confusions with morphologically similar taxa. Accepted synonyms include Tamarix pentandra Pall. (described in 1803) and Tamarix juniperina Bunge (1829), both of which were based on variations in stamen count and branching observed in Asian populations. Historically, the taxon was misapplied as Tamarix gallica L. var. chinensis (Lour.) Ehrenb. in 1827, treating it as a variety of the European T. gallica due to superficial similarities in habit and habitat. Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb., another closely related species native to Central Asia, has shown partial overlap with T. chinensis in morphology and range, leading to occasional synonymy in older literature, but contemporary taxonomy distinguishes them while noting frequent hybridization.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Tamarix chinensis is a or small that typically grows 3–7 m tall, though it can reach up to 12 m in under optimal conditions, often forming dense thickets through multi-stemmed growth and resprouting from crowns after disturbance. The stems are slender and highly branched, featuring whip-like twigs that contribute to a feathery appearance; younger stems are erect or spreading with smooth, reddish-brown bark, while older stems develop ridged, furrowed bark that turns gray to brownish-purple or black. Leaves are small, scale-like, and lanceolate, measuring 1–3 mm in length, with a gray-green color; they closely overlap and adhere to the stems, often becoming encrusted with salt crystals excreted through specialized glands, which aids in salt tolerance and by reducing transpiration surface area. The includes a deep that can extend up to 10 m to access , supplemented by extensive lateral roots that spread widely and enable rapid resource uptake and .

Reproductive structures

Tamarix chinensis produces small flowers that are typically pink to white, occasionally with red tinges, measuring about 1.5-2 mm in length. These flowers feature five sepals (0.5-1.5 mm long, ovate and acute) and five petals (1.5-2 mm, oblong), along with five stamens attached to a disc; they are arranged in dense, terminal racemes forming loose, often nodding panicles 2-6 cm long. Flowering occurs multiple times from to September in its native range, and similarly extended in introduced areas. Pollination in T. chinensis is primarily entomophilous, facilitated by such as bees and flies, though the species exhibits a high rate and occasional wind-assisted dispersal. The fruits are small, dry capsules, 3-5 mm long, that dehisce loculicidally to release numerous tiny seeds (approximately 0.5 mm long) each bearing a tuft of white, coma-like hairs that aid in dispersal. A single mature plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds annually, contributing to its prolific reproductive capacity. In addition to , T. chinensis propagates vegetatively through sprouting, adventitious s, and layering, particularly in disturbed or sediment-buried environments.

Distribution and habitat

Native range

Tamarix chinensis is native to eastern , with its primary distribution centered in , where it occurs in several provinces including , , , , , and . The species also extends to Korea, , and , inhabiting temperate regions across these areas. This native range reflects its adaptation to continental climates with seasonal variations in precipitation and temperature. In its native habitats, Tamarix chinensis thrives in riparian zones along riverbanks and waterways, where it forms dense thickets that stabilize margins and tolerate periodic flooding. It is commonly found in saline meadows and alkaline soils, as well as coastal dunes and saline ocean shores, demonstrating high tolerance for salt accumulation and conditions. These environments often feature sandy or fluvial substrates in arid and semi-arid landscapes, supporting its role in dune fixation and shelterbelt formation. Within associated native ecosystems, Tamarix chinensis contributes to the of mixed riparian woodlands, where it coexists with other flood-tolerant , or dominates in communities along coastal and inland saline areas. Its presence helps maintain integrity in these dynamic, water-influenced habitats, though it rarely forms monocultures outside of disturbed saline sites.

Introduced range

Tamarix chinensis, native to eastern including and Korea, has been introduced to various regions outside its natural distribution, primarily through human-mediated pathways such as ornamental planting and efforts. The species was first introduced to in the early , with records indicating initial plantings by nurserymen on the east coast around 1823. It was intentionally disseminated for ornamental purposes and / along waterways, escaping cultivation and spreading via trade routes and flooding events. In , T. chinensis is now established across the , including , , , , , , , , , , and , extending from southwestern westward to and southward to and . It has become widespread in arid and semi-arid riparian zones, particularly along major rivers such as the and , where it occupies disturbed habitats like streambanks and irrigation ditches. In , T. chinensis was introduced likely in the , with presence noted in the Mediterranean region through historical cultivation. It occurs sporadically in southern and eastern parts, often in association with other species in saline or coastal environments. The plant has also been introduced to , where it is recorded in limited occurrences across various states, primarily as an ornamental escapee in drier inland areas. In parts of Africa, particularly , T. chinensis was brought in the early for erosion stabilization on mine dumps and has since naturalized in riparian and saline habitats.

Ecology

Habitat preferences

Tamarix chinensis thrives in a variety of challenging environmental conditions, particularly those characterized by high salinity and fluctuating water availability. It prefers saline and alkaline soils, with optimal growth observed in coastal saline-alkali environments where soil pH ranges from 7.9 to 8.0. The species exhibits remarkable tolerance to soil salinity levels up to 15,000 ppm, enabling it to colonize areas where many other plants cannot survive, such as salt marshes and alkaline flats. Additionally, it adapts well to a broad pH spectrum from mildly acidic to strongly alkaline (approximately 6.5–8.5), including heavy clay and sandy loam textures with good drainage. Regarding water regimes, T. chinensis demonstrates high tolerance to both flooding and , functioning as a facultative phreatophyte that accesses shallow while enduring inundation for up to 98 days and prolonged dry periods. It flourishes in soils with variable moisture content, from wet coastal zones ( around 37%) to drier inland areas (approximately 31%), and can survive elevated in up to 10,000–15,000 ppm. This resilience allows establishment in hydrologically unstable settings, where it often increases evaporation rates and through high , thereby altering local water dynamics. Climatically, T. chinensis is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions with hot summers, corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 6–9, where it withstands temperatures from to 42°C. It performs best in areas receiving 200–600 mm of annual , often supplemented by seasonal or riverine moisture, as seen in its native warm temperate continental climates with average annual temperatures around 12.6°C. In terms of microhabitats, T. chinensis predominantly occupies riparian corridors, lake shores, and disturbed wetlands, favoring early successional sites like floodplains and salt flats at elevations from to 2,000 m. Optimal community diversity occurs in transitional zones 10–20 km from coastlines, where gradients and levels support robust growth.

Biological interactions

Tamarix chinensis attracts a variety of pollinators, particularly honey bees (Apis mellifera), which are among the most important visitors to its flowers due to the abundant pollen and nectar production during its extended blooming period. These interactions support honey bee populations in arid regions, where saltcedar stands serve as refuges, especially when agricultural areas are treated with insecticides. Regarding herbivory, T. chinensis is browsed by livestock such as cattle and sheep, but its high salt content, excreted through specialized leaf glands, renders it largely unpalatable and resistant to heavy grazing pressure. This salt excretion mechanism not only deters herbivores but also contributes to the plant's tolerance of saline environments. In terms of symbiotic relationships, T. chinensis exhibits minimal associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, lacking the prominent symbiotic nodules typical of leguminous plants, which limits its direct contribution to nitrogen enrichment through such mutualisms. However, it forms associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that enhance nutrient uptake, particularly , in saline soils. Additionally, T. chinensis provides habitat benefits for certain birds; for instance, the endangered southwestern (Empidonax traillii extimus) frequently nests in dense saltcedar thickets, especially where they intermingle with native riparian vegetation, using the structure for protection and foraging. T. chinensis engages in intense competitive interactions with native riparian species, notably outcompeting cottonwoods (Populus spp.) for due to its higher water use efficiency and ability to access at lower potentials. This competitive advantage is exacerbated by the plant's salt excretion, which deposits salts on the soil surface, increasing salinity levels and inhibiting the germination and growth of understory plants through osmotic stress often described as an allelopathic effect. Hybridization plays a key role in the adaptability of T. chinensis, as it readily crosses with other introduced tamarisks such as T. ramosissima and T. parviflora in , producing fertile hybrids that combine traits like enhanced and vigor, contributing to the species complex's invasiveness. These hybrids are widespread in invaded riparian zones and can backcross with parent species, leading to and that bolsters establishment in diverse habitats.

Invasiveness

Invasion history

Tamarix chinensis, commonly known as Chinese tamarisk or five-stamen tamarisk, was first introduced to the in the early as an . Nursery records indicate its availability in by 1823 and in by 1828, with further plantings occurring in nurseries starting in 1856. The U.S. Department of Agriculture promoted its cultivation for windbreaks and beginning in 1870, leading to intentional introductions along riverbanks and other disturbed areas. By the late 1800s, it had naturalized in parts of . The plant's spread accelerated in the , with the invasive complex (including T. chinensis, T. ramosissima, and hybrids) expanding from approximately 10,000 acres in 1920 to over 1.2 million acres by the mid-1960s, facilitated by altered from dam construction, water diversions, and flood events that created suitable habitats. The primary pathways of T. chinensis invasion involve both sexual and . Its , equipped with small hairs, are primarily dispersed by , with a mean fall rate of 0.187 m/sec in still air, allowing long-distance transport along riparian corridors. and floods further aid and vegetative fragment dispersal, as submerged stems and roots readily root in moist sediments, enabling rapid colonization of riverbanks, sandbars, and wetlands. Birds occasionally contribute to seed transport, while early human plantings along railroads and for stabilization purposes accelerated initial establishment. Each can produce thousands of , contributing to its prolific spread in disturbed, saline, or alkaline soils. Ecologically, invasions by T. chinensis and closely related species have profound consequences in riparian ecosystems, particularly in the arid Southwest. It forms dense monotypic stands that displace native cottonwood-willow forests, reducing native plant diversity and regeneration by outcompeting species through , salt accumulation, and shading. In heavily infested areas, such as the , Tamarix spp. including T. chinensis can dominate up to 40% of ground cover, leading to significant in avian and herbaceous communities. The plant alters fire regimes by accumulating flammable litter, increasing frequency and intensity in historically fire-scarce riparian zones, while its resprouting ability allows it to recover faster than native . Additionally, mature stands of the Tamarix complex use up to 5.5 acre-feet of water per acre annually under shallow water tables, exacerbating depletion and reducing water availability for downstream users and ecosystems. Due to these impacts, T. chinensis is designated as a noxious weed in multiple U.S. states, including , where it appears on the state noxious weeds list, and , classified as a noxious weed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is also recognized as invasive in other western states like and . In , tamarisk species are declared weeds in regions such as , where they invade coastal and riparian vegetation.

Management and control

Management of Tamarix chinensis, an invasive riparian shrub, requires a multifaceted approach to prevent spread, reduce , and facilitate recovery, as single methods often fail due to the plant's resprouting ability and prolific seed production. Effective strategies emphasize early detection and integration of mechanical, chemical, and biological controls, often followed by restoration efforts. Due to frequent hybridization with T. ramosissima, management often targets the complex. Mechanical methods, such as cutting, mowing, , or burning, provide short-term suppression by removing above-ground but are generally ineffective for eradication alone, as T. chinensis resprouts vigorously from and crowns. For instance, repeated mowing at ground level can limit seed production and vegetative spread in open areas, yet follow-up treatments are essential to target root systems and prevent regrowth. Flooding has been explored in some riparian contexts to stress and inhibit establishment, though it requires sustained water levels and may not fully eliminate deep-rooted individuals. Chemical control relies on herbicides applied to foliage, stumps, or basal bark, with optimal timing in late summer or early fall after flowering to minimize and maximize translocation to roots. (e.g., Habitat® at 2 quarts per acre) or a combination of and provides high efficacy against dense stands, achieving over 95% control in foliar applications, while alone offers partial suppression. For cut stumps, undiluted or applied immediately post-cutting prevents resprouting, and basal bark treatments with 30% in an oil carrier target stems up to 18 inches high, killing plants within 1-2 years. These methods must account for non-target impacts on aquatic systems, adhering to label restrictions near water. Biological control involves the introduction of leaf-feeding beetles such as Diorhabda carinulata, native to , which defoliate T. chinensis and related species and can reduce canopy cover by up to 70% in established infestations in the since releases began in the early . The beetle's larvae and adults consume foliage, leading to repeated defoliation cycles that weaken plants and promote mortality over multiple years, with documented success in sites like where large areas (e.g., 162 hectares) showed significant decline within three years. Releases are regulated by USDA-APHIS, requiring site-specific monitoring to ensure establishment without unintended ecological effects. Integrated approaches combine these methods for long-term success, such as mechanical removal followed by application and release, while incorporating native plant revegetation to restore riparian function and prevent reinvasion. Monitoring via technologies, including algorithms and phenocams, detects defoliation and tracks treatment efficacy at landscape scales. Restoration efforts post-control, like seeding with such as cottonwoods or willows, enhance and soil stability, addressing the invasion's legacy effects on and ecosystems.

Uses and cultivation

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, Tamarix chinensis has been used to treat , , and conditions related to and dampness, such as rheumatic and itching. Twigs and leaves are employed in decoctions for "bi pain" (painful obstruction) involving joints and muscles, often in combination with other herbs. These applications originate from its native range in and Korea, where it has been used as a folk remedy for centuries. The wood of T. chinensis serves as a local source of in rural areas of its native and is used to make agricultural tools due to its and . The flowers contribute to production, serving as a source for bees and yielding a specialized in local apiculture.

Ornamental and economic cultivation

Tamarix chinensis is cultivated ornamentally for its feathery, scale-like gray-green foliage and showy pink to white flowers that appear in dense spikes during spring and summer, making it suitable for and coastal landscapes. It serves as an effective shelter hedge in windy or saline environments due to its dense branching . However, its ornamental use has declined in many regions because of its invasive potential, leading to cultivation bans or restrictions in areas like and . Propagation occurs primarily through or cuttings. germinate rapidly within 24 hours when moistened, achieving up to 88% after six days, and are sown in spring in a for best results. Cuttings, including half-ripe wood in mid-summer or mature in late autumn, readily in moist at around 16°C, allowing establishment in any season. The is hardy in USDA zones 6a to 9b, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°C. Economically, T. chinensis is planted in its native range for along riverbanks and disturbed areas, where its stabilizes effectively. Its shows promise as a source through , yielding up to 41% bio-oil with a heating value of 27.51 MJ/kg at 500°C, alongside and for co-production benefits. These applications remain limited globally due to invasiveness concerns and regulatory restrictions in introduced regions. Cultivation requires full sun and well-drained soils, though it tolerates a wide range including heavy clay, , and saline conditions. Pruning in early spring helps maintain shape and encourages dense growth, while established are drought-tolerant and perform best in hot, dry summers.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.