Synopsis of the genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the genus Tamarix for the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands is provided, updating the Flora iberica account published in 1993. A new dichotomous key for the Iberian and Balearic species is also included. The presence of certain number of species previously cited for the study area (T. arborea, T. canariensis, T. dalmatica, T. mannifera, T. mascatensis, T. meyeri, T. octandra, T. rosea, and T. tetragyna) is discarded or considered doubtful. Seven species are accepted: three of them are native (T. africana, T. boveana, and T. gallica) and one species (T. parviflora) was probably introduced over a century ago. Three more species (T. aphylla, T. chinensis, and T. ramosissima) have been introduced more recently. Two of them, Tamarix chinensis and T. ramosissima, are grouped as T. gr. ramosissima due to their high morphological resemblance. A new hybrid between T. boveana and T. gallica is also described under the name of Tamarix × verae.