August 13, 2020

The Oldest cultivated fruit species in the Maltese Islands – Figs

The fig tree (Ficus carica, Tin), originated in the Middle East and western Asia. It has been sought out for its decorative nature and delicious fruit […]
July 5, 2020

Encountering Malta’s National Plant at Dingli Cliffs

Since 1971, the Maltese Rock-Centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius, Widnet il-Baħar) has been recognised as Malta’s national plant.  This species is scarce but widespread in certain areas, in […]
June 29, 2020

The Wild Artichoke blooms

The surrounding garrigue’s spring greenery has given way to grasses and dry patches of plants. Yet, the purple blooms of the Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Qaqoċċ […]
June 20, 2020

The largest snake in the Maltese Islands

The Western Whip Snake (Coluber viridiflavus carbonarius, Serp Iswed) is the most common snake of four species in the Maltese Islands, also found throughout other areas […]
June 8, 2020

The spiky hedgehog

The Algerian/Vagrant Hedgehog (Qanfud,  Atelerix algirus) is a mammal species recorded in parts of North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia), Malta and Spain. It is thought […]
June 5, 2020

The Asphalt smelling Pitch Trefoil

Mediterranean climate ecosystems are rich in legumes, with the Pea (Leguminosae or Fabaceae) family identified as a major component of the vast majority of habitats and […]
May 25, 2020

Bright crimson sulla fields

Forage can be described as plant material that is eaten by grazing livestock. Amongst the herbaceous legumes which are used for forage in the Mediterranean basin […]
May 18, 2020

The benefits of enjoying nature through walks and wellbeing

In our hectic world, walking is often regarded as a means to an end – a planned leisure activity, or a means of doing physical exercise. […]
May 16, 2020

The well-known Wall rue for traditional folk medicine

The rue or citrus family of flowering plants include numerous species, perhaps the most familiar being the Citrus, including orange, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine and lime. Another […]