Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

The tannin‑rich galls of Tamarix gallica have been collected for astringent preparations across the Mediterranean. In Spain, where the species is a familiar roadside tree, the galls—locally called “gala”—have traditionally been powdered and simmered for mouth and throat washes; also, the wood or leafy tips were made into a mild decoction taken for gastrointestinal comfort (Jenkins, 1986; Neill, 1881). Across North Africa, the galls are employed in the same way, and a simple infusion of the gall powder is used for mild diarrhea and sore throat in Morocco and Algeria (Boukhatir, 2019; Hedfi et al., 2013; Hammiche et al., 2006). In Italy, the galls appear in regional folk pharmacopoeias as an astringent gargle, again prepared by decoction (Pignatti, 1982). Earlier literature records the same gall preparations in traditional medicine of classical writers such as Dioscorides (Gunther, 1959), linking the plant’s astringent use to its well‑known tannin content.

In practice, the safest and best‑studied preparation focuses on the galls. To make a gargling decoction, take 1–2 g of powdered galls and add 200 ml of water; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then strain through clean cloth. Cool to a comfortably warm temperature and use as a mouth wash or gargle twice daily for mild sore throats, canker sores, or mucosal irritation. The same decoction, at about half the strength, can be taken in modest sips as a gentle astringent for looser stools. A standard tincture of the galls in 1:5 weight-to-volume ethanol may also be made; macerate 20 g of dried galls in 100 ml of 45% alcohol for two weeks, shaking daily, then filter and store in the dark. Dose 1–3 ml in a little water up to twice daily, but use sparingly. Do not use the gall decoction or tincture in pregnancy or while nursing, and avoid use in children under five; people with peptic ulcers should avoid oral astringents because of the risk of gastric irritation.

The activity of these preparations is plausibly due to gallotannins, hydrolyzable tannins such as pentagalloyl‑glucose, and ellagitannins that are abundant in tamarisk galls and known to precipitate proteins and diminish mucosal discharge (Okwu, 2005; Foon et al., 2012). These well‑documented constituents provide the astringent sensation and likely underlie the traditional use in sore throat and mild diarrhea.

Modern interest in tamarisk galls is modest but ongoing, particularly in Mediterranean ethnobotany and natural product chemistry; dried galls are still sold in some herbal shops as an astringent, and further studies continue to profile their tannin profile and bioactivity.

General Uses Top

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Common products:
Grown as an ornamental and amenity shrub, especially for coastal and saline sites.

Scientific/model-organism use:
Whole-genome sequencing (e.g., NCBI assemblies for Tamarix spp.) and community genomic resources support phylogenetic and stress-tolerance research, with T. gallica used occasionally as a representative in comparative studies.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name	Authority	First published in
Tamariscus narbonensis	Garsault	Descr. Pl. Anim. 337; Thell. in Bull. Herb. Boiss. Ser. II. viii. 907.
Tamariscus gallicus	All.	Fl. Pedem. 2: 87 (1785)
Tamarix anglica	Webb	J. Bot. (Hooker) 3: 430 (1841)

Common names Top

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Filter by language:

Language	Common/alternative name
English	tamarisk
Spanish	tamariscus pentander
Spanish	tamariscus gallicus
Spanish	tamariscus narbonensis
Arabic	البجم
Arabic	أثل فرنسي
Arabic	أثل طحطاح
Catalan	tamariu
Catalan	gatell
Catalan	tamarell
Catalan	tamarit
Czech	tamaryšek francouzský
Welsh	grugbren
German	französische tamariske
Estonian	prantsuse tamarisk
Basque	milazka frantses
French	tamaris commun
Upper Sorbian	chinska tamariska
Kabyle	amemmay
Dutch	franse tamarisk

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:

- Doubtful data

- Extinct

- Introduced

- Native

Africa click to expand
- Macaronesia
  - Azores
  - Madeira
- Northern Africa
  - Morocco

Asia-tropical click to expand
- Indian Subcontinent
  - Bangladesh
- Indo-China
  - Myanmar

Europe click to expand
- Middle Europe
  - Hungary
- Northern Europe
  - Great Britain
- Southeastern Europe
  - Italy
  - Sicilia
- Southwestern Europe
  - Baleares
  - Corse
  - France
  - Spain

Northern America click to expand
- Mexico
  - Mexico Northeast
  - Mexico Northwest
- North-central U.S.A.
  - Oklahoma
- South-central U.S.A.
  - New Mexico
  - Texas
- Southeastern U.S.A.
  - Arkansas
  - Georgia
  - Louisiana
  - South Carolina
- Southwestern U.S.A.
  - California

Southern America click to expand
- Brazil
  - Brazil South
- Caribbean
  - Bermuda
  - Dominican Republic
  - Haiti
  - Leeward Islands
  - Puerto Rico
  - Trinidad-Tobago
- Southern South America
  - Argentina Northeast
  - Argentina Northwest

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!

Database	ID/link to page
World Flora Online	wfo-0000458614
UNII	3080251PAI
USDA Plants	TAGA
Tropicos	31100006
INPN	125426
Flora of Italy	3288
KEW	urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828110-1
The Plant List	kew-2520053
PFAF	Tamarix gallica
PFAF	Tamarix anglica
Open Tree Of Life	1053452
Observations.org	7534
NCBI Taxonomy	125585
NBN Atlas	NBNSYS0000002980
Nature Serve	2.160505
IUCN Red List	79928337
IPNI	828110-1
iNaturalist	51303
GBIF	2874695
Freebase	/m/0660s31
EPPO	TAAGA
EOL	585674
Calflora (Californian flora)	7915
USDA GRIN	36228
Wikipedia	Tamarix_gallica
CMAUP	NPO28124

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Below is displayed the reference genome only!
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.

Accession	Assembly
Accession	Name	Level	Submitter	Released	Coverage	Size
GCA_964205315.1	dcTamGall1.hap1.1	Chromosome	WELLCOME SANGER INSTITUTE	2024-07-29	31	1.31 Gb

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.

Title

Authors

Publication

Released

IDs

Insights into the molecular phylogeny and morphology of three novel Dothiora species, along with a worldwide checklist of Dothiora

Senwanna C, Hongsanan S, Khuna S, Kumla J, Yarasheva M, Gafforov Y, Abdurazakov A, Suwannarach N

Front Cell Infect Microbiol

19-Apr-2024

PMCID:	PMC11067756
doi:	10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367673
PMID:	38707512

Beneficial Effects of Castanea sativa Wood Extract on the Human Body and Possible Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

Žitek Makoter T, Tancer Verboten M, Mirt I, Zupančić K, Cör Andrejč D, Knez Ž, Knez Marevci M

Plants (Basel)

22-Mar-2024

PMCID:	PMC11013190
doi:	10.3390/plants13070914
PMID:	38611444

Apple crown and collar canker and necrosis caused by Cytospora balanejica sp. nov. in Iran

Azizi R, Ghosta Y, Ahmadpour A

Sci Rep

19-Mar-2024

PMCID:	PMC10951349
doi:	10.1038/s41598-024-57235-3
PMID:	38504125

Geographical Origin Authentication—A Mandatory Step in the Efficient Involvement of Honey in Medical Treatment

Magdas TM, David M, Hategan AR, Filip GA, Magdas DA

Foods

09-Feb-2024

PMCID:	PMC10887874
doi:	10.3390/foods13040532
PMID:	38397509

The Bio-herbicidal potential of some wild plants with allelopathic effects from Tabuk Region on selected local weed species

Alanaz AR, Alatawi EA, Alotaibi RS, Alatawi EA, Albalawi AD, Alhumayri HA, Alatawi QS, Alharbi BM

Front Plant Sci

05-Dec-2023

PMCID:	PMC10739508
doi:	10.3389/fpls.2023.1286105
PMID:	38143576

Review green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using plant extracts and their antimicrobial activity

Abada E, Mashraqi A, Modafer Y, Al Abboud MA, El-Shabasy A

Saudi J Biol Sci

26-Nov-2023

PMCID:	PMC10749906
doi:	10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103877
PMID:	38148949

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress in chronic liver diseases and its mitigation by medicinal plants

Sharma P, Nandave M, Nandave D, Yadav S, Vargas-De-La-Cruz C, Singh S, Tandon R, Ramniwas S, Behl T

Am J Transl Res

15-Nov-2023

PMCID:	PMC10703659
PMID:	38074830

Using Mediterranean Native Plants for the Phytoremediation of Mining Sites: An Overview of the Past and Present, and Perspectives for the Future

Boi ME, Fois M, Podda L, Porceddu M, Bacchetta G

Plants (Basel)

10-Nov-2023

PMCID:	PMC10674270
doi:	10.3390/plants12223823
PMID:	38005720

Experimental investigation of the responses of meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris L.) to sodic salinity and its implications for habitat monitoring

Wala M, Kołodziejek J, Mazur J, Patykowski J

Sci Rep

20-Sep-2023

PMCID:	PMC10511526
doi:	10.1038/s41598-023-42738-2
PMID:	37730898

Effects of marine sediment as agricultural substrate on soil microbial diversity: an amplicon sequencing study

Núñez-Gómez D, Melgarejo P, Martínez-Nicolás JJ, Hernández F, Martínez-Font R, Lidón V, Legua P

Environ Microbiome

07-Aug-2023

PMCID:	PMC10408225
doi:	10.1186/s40793-023-00519-4
PMID:	37550709

What Is Wrong with Frankenia nodiflora Lam. (Frankeniaceae)? New Insights into the South African Sea-Heaths

Crespo MB, Alonso MÁ, Martínez-Azorín M, Villar JL, Mucina L

Plants (Basel)

13-Jul-2023

PMCID:	PMC10383076
doi:	10.3390/plants12142630
PMID:	37514245

Advances in Natural Product Extraction Techniques, Electrospun Fiber Fabrication, and the Integration of Experimental Design: A Comprehensive Review

Ponphaiboon J, Krongrawa W, Aung WW, Chinatangkul N, Limmatvapirat S, Limmatvapirat C

Molecules

02-Jul-2023

PMCID:	PMC10343563
doi:	10.3390/molecules28135163
PMID:	37446825

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Loaded Hydrogel for Wound Healing; Systematic Review

Aldakheel FM, Sayed MM, Mohsen D, Fagir MH, El Dein DK

Gels

29-Jun-2023

PMCID:	PMC10378855
doi:	10.3390/gels9070530
PMID:	37504410

Chemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis.) P. Karst. Aqueous Ammonia Extract

Sánchez-Hernández E, Teixeira A, Pereira C, Cruz A, Martín-Gil J, Oliveira R, Martín-Ramos P

Plants (Basel)

11-Jun-2023

PMCID:	PMC10305452
doi:	10.3390/plants12122271
PMID:	37375896

Silene uniflora Extracts for Strawberry Postharvest Protection

Buzón-Durán L, Sánchez-Hernández E, Martín-Ramos P, Navas-Gracia LM, García-González MC, Oliveira R, Martín-Gil J

Plants (Basel)

29-Apr-2023

PMCID:	PMC10180817
doi:	10.3390/plants12091846
PMID:	37176904

Phytochemical Profile Top

Add a new one!

Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.

Name	PubChem ID	Canonical SMILES	MW	Found in	Proof
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Benzoic acids
Benzoic Acid	243	Click to see	122.12	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols / Long-chain fatty alcohols
(R)-nonacosan-10-ol	342803	Click to see	424.80	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids
(-)-Sandaracopimaric acid	221580	Click to see	302.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
(2S,4aR,4bS,7R,10aR)-7-ethenyl-1,1,4a,7-tetramethyl-3,4,4b,5,6,9,10,10a-octahydro-2H-phenanthren-2-ol	22216597	Click to see	288.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
3-Acetoxy-8(17),13E-labdadien-15-oic acid	13858192	Click to see	362.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
3-Oxoanticopalic Acid	13858184	Click to see	318.40	unknown	via CMAUP database
Abietic acid	10569	Click to see CC(C)C1=CC2=CCC3C(C2CC1)(CCCC3(C)C(=O)O)C	302.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
Alepterolic acid	13858188	Click to see	320.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
Dehydroabietic acid	94391	Click to see CC(C)C1=CC2=C(C=C1)C3(CCCC(C3CC2)(C)C(=O)O)C	300.40	unknown	via CMAUP database
Levopimaric acid	221062	Click to see CC(C)C1=CCC2C(=C1)CCC3C2(CCCC3(C)C(=O)O)C	302.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
Neoabietic acid	221118	Click to see	302.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
Sandaracopimaradienediol	12313649	Click to see CC1(CCC2C(=C1)CCC3C2(CCC(C3(C)CO)O)C)C=C	304.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
Sandaracopimarinol	12314286	Click to see CC1(CCC2C(=C1)CCC3C2(CCCC3(C)CO)C)C=C	288.50	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids
Linalool, (+)-	67179	Click to see	154.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
Myrcene	31253	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids
P-Cymene	7463	Click to see	134.22	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids
(-)-beta-Pinene	440967	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
(1R,3R,6R)-3,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[4.1.0]heptane	98052623	Click to see	138.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
alpha-Pinene, (+)-	82227	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 1,3,3-trimethyl-, (1S,4R)-	10877186	Click to see	138.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
Bornyl acetate, (-)-	93009	Click to see	196.29	unknown	via CMAUP database
D-Borneol	6552009	Click to see	154.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids
(+)-Limonene	440917	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
(+)-Terpinen-4-ol	2724161	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)(C(C)C)O	154.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
4-Methylidene-1-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol	10197791	Click to see CC(C)C1(CCC(=C)CC1)O	154.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
d-beta-Phellandrene	442484	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
Terpinolene	11463	Click to see	136.23	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids
(R)-beta-bisabolene	68128	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)CCC=C(C)C	204.35	unknown	via CMAUP database
Bisabolol	1549992	Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(C)(CCC=C(C)C)O	222.37	unknown	via CMAUP database
delta-Cadinol	3084311	Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(C2CC1)(C)O)C(C)C	222.37	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids
(+)-Ursolic Acid	64945	Click to see	456.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
Beta-Amyrin	73145	Click to see CC1(CCC2(CCC3(C(=CCC4C3(CCC5C4(CCC(C5(C)C)O)C)C)C2C1)C)C)C	426.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
Lupeol	259846	Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)O)C)C	426.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Cholestane steroids / Cholesterols and derivatives
Cholesterol	5997	Click to see	386.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50020A021
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Ergostane steroids / Ergosterols and derivatives
24-Methylcholesterol	12358784	Click to see	400.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50020A021
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives
(3beta,24xi)-Stigmast-5-en-3-ol	9823110	Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C	414.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50020A021
(3S,8R,9R,10R,13R,14R,17R)-17-[(2R,5R)-5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol	11870456	Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C	414.70	unknown	via CMAUP database
(8R,9S,10R,13R,14R)-17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol	137706654	Click to see	414.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50020A021
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol	86821	Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C	414.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
Isofucosterol	5281326	Click to see	412.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50020A021
Stigmast-5-en-3-ol	22012	Click to see	414.70	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
> Organic acids and derivatives / Organic sulfuric acids and derivatives / Arylsulfates / Phenylsulfates
[4-(3-Hydroxyprop-1-enyl)-2-methoxyphenyl] hydrogen sulfate	162977408	Click to see	260.27	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)87140-P
coniferyl alcohol 4-O-sulphate	129845814	Click to see	260.27	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)87140-P
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Monosaccharides / Heptoses
Sedoheptulose	5459879	Click to see C(C(C(C(C(C(=O)CO)O)O)O)O)O	210.18	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Sugar alcohols
Mannitol	6251	Click to see	182.17	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones
Pinocembrin	68071	Click to see C1C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C2C1=O)O)O)C3=CC=CC=C3	256.25	unknown	via CMAUP database
Strobopinin	442520	Click to see	270.28	unknown	via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols
Tamarixetin	5281699	Click to see	316.26	unknown	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84916-X
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Stilbenes
3-Methoxy-5-(2-phenylethenyl)phenol	182229	Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1)O)C=CC2=CC=CC=C2	226.27	unknown	via CMAUP database
3,5-Dimethoxystilbene	5316874	Click to see	240.30	unknown	via CMAUP database

Gallery Top

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Tamarix gallica

Table of Contents

Details Top

Ethnobotanical Use Top

General Uses Top

Synonyms Top

Common names Top

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

Germination/Propagation Top

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Links to other databases Top

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Scientific Literature Top

Phytochemical Profile Top

Gallery Top

Contributors Top

Collections Top