Some trees were regarded by Kalmyks as sacred, including the tamarisk (torlg). It is red in colour and grows in the mountains of Mongolia. Whips made from this tree were considered valuable and believed to have curing properties. The tamarisk was used to cure children and ulcers on the skin of a sheep (tsoorkha). To cure, Kalmyks simply touched the sheep’s wounds with this tree. The tamarisk was also used as an amulet against evil spirits. Kalmyks avoided the aspin tree (ulada), because of its propensity to grow tall. People believed that by growing tall this tree wishes to be the highest among all the trees.