Widnet il-Baħar otherwise known as the Maltese Rock Centaury in English is Malta’s national plant and it is truly mesmerising.

These photos, some of which were taken by Jeffrey Sciberras and shared by Malta’s Department of Information perfectly show the plant’s beauty.

It is endemic to the Maltese islands, meaning it only grows right here and nowhere else which is why it was chosen as Malta’s national plant back in 1971.

Malta’s national plant grows in bushes mostly near cliffs and heaths and its stunning magneta flowers typically bloom between the months of May and June.

Unfortunately, it is classified as endangered as it is threatened by habitat loss. Although it is quite scarce it grows in significant amounts on the western cliffs of Malta and the southern cliffs of Gozo.

The Widnet il-Bahar plant even has a variety plant called serratifolia. It is very similar to Widnet il-Bahar but has serrated leaves instead. It is very rare and it has only been found in Gozo.