This May, Dwejra Tower’s Facebook page, is shining the spotlight on a unique coastal gem of the Maltese Islands – the Sea Carrot, known in Maltese as Zunnarija tal-Bahar.

This resilient plant thrives in some of the archipelago’s most rugged landscapes, particularly along coastal cliffs and on small islets. However, it is also commonly found further inland, up to 300 metres from the shoreline, favouring dry valley beds, valley sides, and even abandoned fields.

The Sea Carrot is a biennial plant, known for its robust structure and distinctive flowering pattern. It blooms in spring and early summer, producing large, dense umbels of light yellowish or white flowers, which make it a striking sight in the wild.

A particularly charming feature of this plant is its reddish-purple central flowers, adding a splash of colour and contrast to the otherwise pale umbels. Unlike other species in the carrot family, its rays remain straight, giving the fruiting head a flat-topped appearance.

The fleshy, shiny leaves add to its distinctive look; while also helping it survive the harsh, dry environments it often calls home. Beyond its beauty, the Sea Carrot plays an important ecological role as it attracts a wide variety of pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity during its flowering season.

Whether spotted clinging to cliffs or located in dry valleys, the Sea Carrot is a beautiful reminder of the rich and resilient flora that flourishes across the Maltese Islands.

Have you spotted the Sea Carrot plant around Malta? If so, where?