Let it rain! Recent autumnal showers bring new life to Majjistral’s native plants

While Saturday’s rain may have disrupted some outdoor plans, the rain is also bringing welcome relief to Malta’s natural environment, with native plants at Majjistral Nature and History Park already responding to the first autumn rainfall.

According to the park, the long, dry summer forces some plants to lose their leaves as a natural defence mechanism, helping them protect themselves from the heat and reduce water loss. With the arrival of the rain, Mediterranean thyme (Thymbra capitata) and tree spurge (Euphorbia dendroides) have started sprouting new leaves.

The rainfall has also encouraged the flowering of autumn squill (Prospero autumnale) and sea squill (Drimia maritima). Both species grow from bulbs and produce their flowers before their leaves appear, adding new life and colour to the landscape as the seasons change.

The recent rain is a reminder that autumn showers are not all bad news. Beyond bringing cooler conditions, they play an important role in supporting Malta’s native vegetation after months of dry weather.

With hiking season now underway, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park responsibly by sticking to designated paths, avoiding picking plants and following all site regulations. These simple steps help protect the delicate habitats and native species that make Majjistral such a valuable part of Malta’s natural heritage.

Have you noticed the autumn bloom around Malta and Gozo?