large perennial halophytic tree, growing in hyper-arid desert conditions on saline soils, riverbeds, and desert plains where almost nothing else can survive.

produces scale-like leaves that excrete salt through specialized glands.
the salt-excreting glands create visible white salt crusts on the surface of the leaves. this salt accumulation can be collected as a seasoning salt.
the manna historically collected from Tamarix species in the Sinai is a sweet exudate produced when scale insects (Trabutina mannipara) feed on the plant. this is the leading candidate for the biblical manna.

mentioned in the Quran as "Athel", one of the trees of the earthly paradise.

bark, leaves, fruits, and root extracts used to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, and gum and tooth infection.

isolated compounds: tamarixinin A (ellagitannin species-specific, used to synthesize copper nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties), aphyllin (flavonoid glycoside unique to the genus), myricadiol and isomyricadiol (triterpenoids), brevifolin carboxylic acid, kaempferol glycosides, quercetin glycosides, isorhamnetin, naringenin, luteolin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, 3,4-dimethoxyphenol, and essential oils containing monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.

traditionally used to cure skin, spleen, and eye-related conditions, toothaches, enteritis, stomach aches, animal bites, and poisoning.

has anticancer effects by causing cancer cell death, inducing autophagy, and stopping cell division.

seven Tamarix species treats diabetes through α-glycosidase inhibition, suppression of human islet amyloid polypeptide, blood glucose regulation, and autophagy/inflammation modulation.

tamarixinin A from the galls was specifically used to synthesize copper nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activity.

entire plant used to treat hair loss and wounds.

reduces ocular inflammation and protects corneal and conjunctival surfaces.

used for charcoal, fuel, and small construction.