Identification of the Morphology of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: The predominant species of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley is unknown, and due to the scarce information available, this study aims to expand the knowledge of the morphology of Tamarix spp in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: For this research, five branches with inflorescences and roots of Tamarix spp trees were collected from four selected locations in the Mexicali Valley. The collection was carried out during the flowering season from March to August, considering branches between 2.50 and 3.50 cm in height. The morphological descriptions were based on fresh plants using an Olympia optical microscope.

Results: After the morphological analysis was carried out at the different sampling sites, the predominant salt cedar genotype found in the Mexicali Valley corresponded to Tamarix chinensis. In addition, it was found high electrical conductivity measured in the upper soil layer (20 cm depth) was found to be caused by the excretion of salts through the glands of the leaves of this species. Consequently, salt cedar species can inhibit other vegetation types, although it can benefit honey bee production.

Findings/conclusions: Tamarix chinensis was the predominant salt cedar species throughout the sampling sites under the conditions of this study.The high electrical conductivity measured in the upper soil layer (20 cm depth) shows that salt cedar species can inhibit the growth of other  vegetation types, although it can be beneficial for honey bee production.