Tamarisk. 311 



their appearance by the operation. There is some confu- 

 sion among specialists as to names both of the genus and 

 the several species, but the following varieties will serve 

 all practical purposes. 



The African tamarisk, T. africana, is, perhaps, the 

 earliest blooming species, the small flowers appearing in 

 May or early in June in great profusion along the slender 

 branches of the previous season's growth. They are 

 bright pink and exceedingly beautiful, covering the whole 

 bush and affording a marked contrast to the soft, feathery 

 foliage. The time to cut in the branches is immediately 

 after the flowering season is over, when the growth which 

 follows will furnish blossom-buds for the next season. 

 This tamarisk is known also as the T. tetrandra, and T. 

 parvifiora. 



The French tamarisk, T. gallica, is a native not only 

 of France, but also of Spain, Italy, and other Mediter- 

 ranean countries. It grows to a height of eight or ten 

 feet, with its very small, imbricated, feathery leaves in 

 profusion, and the color contrasts are marked. The pale 

 red or pink flowers are small but numerous, not dis- 

 tributed as in the africana, but appearing in clusters or 

 catkins about an inch long at the end of the slender 

 branches. The twigs are also conspicuous because of 

 their purple or reddish-colored bark. The shrub can be 

 shaped to a low, round, compact head, or be trained to 

 almost any form that may be desired, and is sometimes 

 grown to advantage on the side of a building or wall. In 

 either case the lightness and grace of foliage and blossom 

 are sure to attract attention and admiration. 



