Tamarisk, (genus Tamarix), any of 54 species of shrubs and low trees (family Tamaricaceae) that, with false tamarisks (Myricaria, 10 species), grow in salt deserts, by seashores, in mountainous areas, and in other semiarid localities from the Mediterranean region to central Asia and northern China.

How long does a tamarisk tree live?

It is long-lived (50-100 years) and grows to 6 to 26 feet (2-8m) tall. The branches often form thickets many feet wide. The narrow leaves are small (1.5cm) and grayish green, often overlapping and crowding on the stems.

Where did Abraham plant a tamarisk tree?

Two plants are mentioned in Genesis 21. The first is the shrub under which Hagar placed Ishmael (verse 15). The second is the tamarisk planted by Abraham (verse 33). The shrub could also easily be a tamarisk as this is one of the most common shrubs and trees in the vicinity of Beersheba or it could be the white broom.