With more and more arable land being sacrificed for development, it may be difficult to experience a true sense of the Maltese landscape in some areas. But, if you do get the chance to breath in some fresh air, keep an eye out for some of these fresh local florals.
1. Maltese Rock Centaury
Malta’s National Plant, and endemic to the archipelago, the Maltese Rock Centaury is a colourful thing, brightening up public gardens, landscaped spaces and, yes, strangely, even roundabouts, with its purple petals. Usually, it makes an appearance in spring or early summer and grows naturally on coralline limestone cliffs and valley sides, but for many years it was considered to be a threatened species, though recent efforts to plant it in a myriad of public spaces has revived its presence.
2. Brighteyes
This sunny flower – appropriately know as Brighteyes (a catchier alternative to the genus name reichardia picroides) – can be found clinging onto coastal rocks, garigue and, even more urban environments. The flower is not exclusively indigenous to the Maltese islands: it’s also found in Greece, where it is sometimes eaten raw or fried with a little bit of olive oil.
3. Dovesfoot Cranesbill
Another purple beauty, the Dovesfoot cranesbill – a member of the Geranium family – is found across the Mediterranean, as well as in some parts of Asia. Its pretty flowers were even introduced in North America but, here in Malta, it has been spotted for many a century due to its penchant for sunny spots.
4. Sea Daffodil
Sand dunes across the Mediterranean are home to this expansive bloom, though you’d have to keep a careful eye out to spot the flower here in Malta, where it is indigenous. It even has a host of Maltese names, many of which make explicit reference to sea, such as ranġis il-baħar.
5. Yellow-throated Crocus
This elegant blossom - with its bulbous petals and dazzling style - is one of 80 species of crocus found worldwide (saffron being one of them) with 20 alone indigenous to the Mediterranean region. It favours coastal areas, as well as mountainous regions (terrain which is lacking on this archipelago) and is recognisable by its pastel tones.