Tamarix africana aka African Tamarisk

Tamarix africana is also known as African tamarisk. This tree belongs to the Tamaricaceae family. It is deciduous: it sheds its leaves for winter. Its native range spans the western and central Mediterranean. It also includes the Canary Islands. Records list Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. They also list Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. It grows on several Mediterranean islands, including Corsica and Sardinia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild trees grow near coasts, on damp ground and beside streams.

The tree reaches about 25 feet (7.5 metres). It grows at a moderate rate. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied species evidence gives no bloom season or fruit details. In gardens, it serves as a tree layer in woodland gardens. It also has a place in hedges. It withstands sea winds, so it can provide coastal shelter. Spring pruning can help keep its size in check.

This tree needs sun and will not grow in shade. It grows in sand, loam and heavy clay. Yet it prefers soil that drains well. It can also grow in shingle. The soil can be mildly acid to strongly alkaline. Salt in the soil does not stop its growth. These traits suit exposed gardens near the coast. Plants For A Future calls it easy to grow. It lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. In Britain, though, it advises mild sites for outdoor growth.

Water needs vary with the site. Near the sea, plants cope with dry soil and sea winds. Inland, they need more moisture. They also need shelter from cold winds that dry them out. A deep, good loam suits inland sites. The source links this contrast to salts in the soil. Those salts help the tree lose less water. Its drought tolerance near the coast does not suit every inland site. Dry or moist ground can work when other growing needs are met.

You can grow it from seed or half-ripe cuttings. Cuttings of mature wood are another option. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Give the seeds a thin covering. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Take half-ripe cuttings in July or August. Put mature wood cuttings outdoors in late autumn. The source reports no known uses for food or medicine. It also lists no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe to eat or safe for pets.