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Flowering plants this month

August

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Bużbież)

The sweet scent of the Fennel leaves is unmistakable during these times of the year, when yellow-flowered umbers are found everywhere, from garrigue to abandoned land. Fennel seeds used to flavour food dishes, and collected from Wild Fennel are  available for sale in small packets at The Centre.

Spineless Caper (Capparis orientalis, Kappar)

The common caper shrub blooms in early summer. Flowers open at dawn and close before sunset. This plant is able to grow even amongst crevices within walls, and is adapted to drought such as through its deep root systems. Traditionally, the flower buds are collected and pickled in brine, such as the local caper featuring in platters.

Hare’s Tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus, Denb il-Fenek)

The annual grass is quite common along Dingli Cliffs, found even in disturbed habitats and abandoned agricultural land. The flower pannicle is elongated, soft, hairy and greyish resembling rabbits’ tails.

Maltese Spurge (Euphorbia melitensis, Tengħud tax-Xagħri)

The Maltese Spurge is an endemic shrub, which is only found in the Maltese Islands. It grows as a dense shrub, with small woody leaves, to help reduce water losses.