Maltese Plants You Might Have The Pleasure Of Meeting Out In The Wild This Weekend
We tend to appreciate nature a bit more in spring — we go on hikes, we go camping, you name it. And while Malta is tiny, it definitely doesn’t disappoint as far as its (limited) countryside goes.
It’s quite possible that while you’re out an about you might meet some weird plants. Here’s a list of some of those plants, to avoid you going “DI X’INHI AA?”
1. Esparto Grass
This fluffy weird smelling grass is generally found growing on clay slopes, like in Għajn Tuffieħa. It’s quite fun to touch as it’s very soft and fluffy, and it is worth sitting in areas where it is dominant.
2. Aleppo Pine Trees
Known as Is-Siġra tal-Prinjol, this tree is not Maltese strictly speaking, it made its debut in Malta around 500 years ago, imma minn tagħna jaħasra.
3. Maltese Leek
This endemic plant is sometimes also called Maltese Garlic. It is generally found growing in valleys or close to rocky coasts. This herb is uncommon, but can be spotted frequently if closely looked out for. However, it’s a threatened species so please be careful around this delicate creature.
4. Sicilian Silver Ragwort
Kromb il-baħar is a common plant we find almost everywhere. This yellow beauty is sub endemic and can be spotted growing in shrub form. This plant is often found growing close to coasts and it really does not mind the heat or sea spray.
5. Maltese Toadflax
The vastly popular papoċċa has been an unwilling protagonist in the lamest Maltese gag in the universe. This poor dear has endured thousands of maltese people using its flowers as finger puppets. The indigenous Maltese Toadflax is probably the most tolerant plant in the universe. Ħaqqa Ġieħ ir-Repubblika.
6. Maltese Savory
Xpakkapietra is the Maltese name for this prodigy. Although it is a protected plant and has a protected status, it is a frequent find in Maltese valleys and rocky areas. This all-year-rounder is the sub-endemic cousin of the mint plant.
7. Pyramid Orchid
This orchid has been living on this island way before anyone decided it would be a good idea to test-taste unknown berries. The Pyramidal Orchid is generally found living happily in rocky places.
8. Maltese Sea Chamomile
Cutest name ever alert: Il-Bebuna tal-Baħar is also endemic and is quite frequent to meet in the wild.
9. Borage
This edible cutie is not endemic to our islands and is known for its healing properties and bright colour. The Borage is found almost everywhere liveable on the island.
10. Maltese Rock-Centaury
This is our very own national flower — Widnet il-Baħar. Not generally common, Widnet il-Baħar can still be spotted on cliffs or around coastal valleys.
Due to the fact that nobody wants to stop building high rises and shitty box flats everywhere, the plant is almost extinct since it’s habitat is highly threatened.
11. Mediterranean Thyme
Otherwise known as Sagħtar, this plant is not as commonly found, it’s generally found on dry hills and its pollen is used by bees to produce thyme honey. This indigenous plant is also threatened due to it’s habitat being destroyed.