Tamarisk

Tamarisk (Tamarix), a genus of shrubs which gives its name to the order Tamaricaceae, distinguished by their twig-like branches, scale leaves, and spikes of small rose-pink fiowers. The plant abounds in sulphate of soda, and in Arabia exudes a manna valued as a dainty by the Bedouins. T. gallica, a native of the Mediterranean area, occurs commonly along Our Engush coasts; but is not indigenous. The bark is astringent, and some species also produce valuable galls.