Tamarisk trees are an ideal form of natural shading on Greek beaches for endless relaxation in front of the sea.
In ancient Greece, the tamarisk symbolised youth and beauty. It was dedicated to – who else – the goddess Aphrodite.
The myth connects the tamarisk with Cyprus, the island of Aphrodite. It is said that Myrrha, the sister of Adonis and the daughter of Cinyras, king of Cyprus and priest of Aphrodite, was transformed into a tamarisk.
Homer writes in his Iliad that Odysseus hangs the armour of Dolon, who was killed by Diomedes, on a “myrica” tree to treat the young hero with special honours.
If you want to write your own poem about the Greek summer, you can’t help but have tamarisk in your quiver with its unruly, modest beauty and grace.
Tamarisks are also known as “tamarinds,” and four species thrive in Greece: the Cretan, the Attica, the Smyrna, and the French. The last variety, the French, is found on most Greek islands.
It is a deciduous plant, which includes about 54 species of shrubs and low or tall trees, which grow in Western Europe and the Mediterranean, reaching as far as Eastern Asia, Northern China and India.
Tamarisks grow not only on the seashore but also on the banks of rivers and streams—where their roots can find water. However, we see them, thriving and native to many coastal areas of Greece and the Mediterranean.
They have strong roots that branch deep into the ground, allowing them to “drink” the water they need.
Often, especially if we vacation in autumn, we come across flowering tamarisks with tiny white and pink flowers at the ends of their branches.
Many times, local communities grow them along the beaches for beautification but also for the natural shade they create, attracting bathers who prefer tamarisk to some overpriced, absurdly expensive and possibly unsightly sunbed-umbrella.
The tamarisk is characterised by relatively fast growth and great resistance to drought and strong winds.
It is a fairly to very easy plant to grow. It wants a position where the sun catches it, but it also tolerates semi-shade just fine, without perhaps developing fully, as it would in a sunny position.
Often, it is chosen for cultivation in seaside houses to match the scenery of the seaside.
A tamarisk is all that is needed for a sweet midday siesta, the ultimate summer fantasy, an image we’ve all seen or starred in. Its precious shade is a gift of nature, a small oasis under the relentless Mediterranean sun’s blinding light and heat.
If you want one of these trees in your garden, remember that due to its proverbial hardiness, it does not require much watering except in its young seedling stage. You can add a complete fertiliser in early spring to strengthen tamarisks in your garden.
Prune to shape in early spring, and be sure to remove any dry branches.
Georgia Drakakis is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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