Dwejra Tower Facebook page is known for shining a spotlight every month on a specific plant. This month was the enchanting Blue Stonecrop’s time to shine!

Also known as Azure Stonecrop (Sedum caeruleum), this resilient plant, known in Maltese as Beżżulet il-baqra, Demm il-Madonna, or Gheneb, thrives in the coastal garrigue, gracing exposed rocky terrain and stone depressions filled with rainwater during winter.

A diminutive, stemless annual, the Blue Stonecrop ingeniously germinates in these shallow depressions, utilising its small, fleshy leaves filled with moisture to withstand the harsh, arid conditions of its habitat. Later in the year, a stunning transformation occurs as the foliage takes on hues of reddish-purple, adding a splash of colour to the rugged landscape.

Spring heralds the arrival of its delicate blooms, characterised by seven ethereal, pale purple petals. These flowers adorn the plant profusely, painting the coastal garrigue with splashes of subtle yet captivating colour.

As a resilient emblem of Malta's coastal ecosystem, the Blue Stonecrop embodies the tenacity and adaptability required to flourish in challenging environments. Its ability to thrive amidst rocky terrain and scarce water sources serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity and resilience.

This plant adds aesthetic allure to the coastal landscape and serves as a reminder of the intricate beauty and biodiversity found within Malta's natural habitats.

Have you ever seen this beauty?