Tamaricaceae
Tamaricaceae Link family comprises approximately 4 genera and 90–100 species, distributed primarily in arid, semi-arid, and saline regions of Eurasia, North Africa, and southern Africa. Molecular phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of the family, with Tamarix representing the largest genus. Members are characterized by salt-excreting glands, minute scale-like leaves, racemose inflorescences of small flowers, superior ovaries, and capsular fruits containing numerous hairy seeds.
Key characteristics
- Shrubs or small trees
- Adapted to saline soils
- Salt glands present
- Leaves minute, scale-like, alternate
- Flowers small, pink or white
- Inflorescences racemose
- Ovary superior
- Fruit a capsule
Distribution
The family occurs throughout Mediterranean Basin, Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, China, Southern Europe. Several species have become naturalized elsewhere, including North America and Australia. Typical habitats include Riverbanks, Floodplains, Salt marshes, Deserts, Sand dunes, Coastal plains, Saline lakes. Tamaricaceae is widely distributed throughout Pakistan. It occurs in Cholistan Desert, Thal Desert, Thar Desert, Indus River floodplain. Habitats include Riverine forests, Irrigation canals, Sand dunes, Saline wastelands, Desert plains, Coastal habitats. Representative Pakistani genera include Tamarix, Myricaria.