Plants in Malta fall under four categories: endemic (unique to one geographical region), indigenous (native), aliens (recently introduced) and archaeophytes (introduced in ancient times). Nature Trust - FEE Malta botanist Jeffrey Sciberras explains that while endemics are prioritised, followed by natives and archaophtytes, a diligent stance towards all manners of wildlife should be adopted.
“Not all rare or very rare species are protected,” Jeffrey reveals: “Through cultural importance and personal habits, some species have undergone massive human abuse because they have been either used as cut-flowers or for decoration in cribs,” the botanist explains.
Resisting from picking up a plant while out on a trek can be hard, especially when one spots a rare flower, but unfortunately, self-restraint is necessary to ensure the longevity of local flora and preventing the deterioration of our environment. There are many protected plants, as well as others which are threatened by habitat loss, that must be safeguarded at all costs, but together with Jeffrey, we've compiled a list of 10 common plants which albeit beautiful, should be seen as off-limits:
1. French Daffodil
The French Daffodil, or Narcis, may often be confused for Malta's national plant due to its extreme popularity, but it remains a protected species. Picking up bunches can get you in trouble!
2. Large Star of Betlehem
Also known as the Halib it-Tajr il-Kbir in Maltese, the Large Star of Betlehem should be enjoyed from a distance.
3. Mediterranean Thyme
One of the most popular plants in Malta is the Mediterranean Thyme, or saghtar, and most choose to overlook its protected status to continue incorporating them in Christmas cribs. Time to find an alternative!
4. Maltese Shrubby Kidney Vetch
The Maltese Shrubby Kidney Vetch, or the Hatba is-Sewda ta' Malta, is prettier than the name suggests, but again, its best for it to remain in its original habitat.
5. Mediterranean Heath
The Mediterranean Heath is known by four different Maltese names: erika, savina, isopu and saghtar l-ahmar. Spotted the link to the Mediterranean thyme? You've guessed it - this one is off-limits too.
6. Maltese Spurge
Also known as the Tenghud tax-Xaghri ta' Malta, the Maltese Spurge is an endemic species and as such, is high up on protected species list.
7. Caper
Locals have grown up picking kappar up and potting them into pickled jars, but unfortunately this caper-picking tradition, albeit highly nostalgic, should no longer be encouraged.
8. Common Pyramidal Orchid
The Common Pyramidal Orchid, or the Orkida Piramidali, is an incredibly pretty flower, but this one too, makes it on this list.
9. Maltese Pyramidal Orchid
The Maltese version of the flower mentioned above, the Orkida Piramidali ta' Malta is by extension also on this list.
10. Olive-leaved Bindweed
The olive-leaved bindweed, or the Leblieb tal-Irdum, is the last entry on our list.
They're for enjoying, not picking!