Athel tamarisks are found across northern Africa and the Middle East, through southern Asia. Their precise origin is unclear, perhaps because they were introduced throughout the region before records were kept (i.e., prehistorically). Many, maybe all athels in the US are clones from cuttings sent to Arizona from Algeria. That may be why they rarely reproduce, although it has been shown that they are hybridizing with other imported tamarisk species.

For background on tamarisk introduction see:(free pdf download)'The Monstering of Tamarisk: How scientists made a plant into a problem'

For background on recent anti-tamarisk sentiment see:(free pdf download) 'Changing perceptions of Change: The Role of Scientists in Tamarix and River Management'