Tamarix canariensis Willd.

Tamarix canariensis Willd. is a species of flowering plant in the family Tamaricaceae. It grows as a shrub or small tree that reaches up to 4 meters in height.

Native Range History

Earlier sources stated that this species was native to parts of Macaronesia, northern Africa, and south-western Europe. Current classification recognizes Tamarix canariensis as occurring only in the Canary Islands, with species from Africa and Europe reclassified as Tamarix gallica.

Taxonomic Origin

The species was first formally described by Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1816.

Endemic Distribution

Tamarix canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands. It is thought to grow on all of the Canary Islands except El Hierro.

Habitat Preferences

Specimens have been recorded at elevations up to around 560 meters, and it is more frequently found at lower altitudes, including on sea shores and in estuaries. It is able to tolerate moderate levels of salinity.