A A A

Flowering plants this month

June

Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Qaqoċċ tax-Xewk)

This thistle-like plant, which flowers between May and June, can be found in garrigue, steppe and disturbed ground. It can grow up to 1m in height. The violet flower-heads attract numerous pollinating insects, while the spines discourage herbivorous animals. The Wild Artichoke is a variant of the cultivated Globe Artichoke.

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.

Mediterranean Thistle (Galactites tomentosa, Xewk Abjad)

This thistle, also referred to as Boar Thistle is very common in Malta, even growing in disturbed sites. The green leaves have a  central white venation, and a spine at the tip. Flowers are typically white. 

Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris, Ħobbejża)

This plant flowers between February and May,. It is found distributed in all Europe. This plant has a range of medicinal and culinary uses. In fact, the flowers and leaves were used for their medicinal properties such as to treat coughs and aches. The name ‘Ħobbejża’ in Maltese refers to the shape of the edible seed pod which looks like the typical Maltese bread (Ħobża tal-Malti).

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.