I just love the Tamarisk tree, one of the best features of the Mediterranean landscape, in my humble opinion.

The Tamarisk plant belongs to the family of Tamaricaceae; it grows as a tree or as a shrub, and does well in hot, dry climates such as in the Mediterranean region. Here in Mallorca, we are blessed with five main species of Tamarisks, it would seem: Tamarix africana Poiret, Tamarix anglica Webb., Tamarix canariensis Willd., Tamarix gallica L. and Tamarix parviflora DC.

The tree shown in my photo may be of the Tamarix africana variety, but I am not absolutely sure. Please don’t shoot me, if I’m wrong. In any case, let me refer you once more to a website that one can trust in Mallorcan plant matters: Herbarivirtual, which is done in a collaboration between the universities of Palma, Barcelona and València.

I must admit that I have not read the Bible in a very long time, but if one can believe the Internet, a Tamarisk tree was planted by Abraham, according to the Old Testament (Genesis 21:33). And according to The New Larousse Encyclopaedia of Mythology, the Tamarisk plant is a favourite of the Greek God, Apollo. I am not a God, I am afraid, but this is one of my favourites as well. So, there.

The photo was taken in Port de Pollença, Mallorca, Spain. The date: December 22nd, 2008. The time: 15:52:45.