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Flowering plants this month

May

Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata, Sagħtar)

The violet-coloured flowers of the indigenous aromatic shrub of the Mediterranean Thyme can be seen along the Dingli Cliffs’ garrigue habitat during this time of the year. A number of bees may be seen buzzing through thyme flower clusters, enabling pollination. Although the thyme is common in garrigue regions, it has been protected by law since 1932 and listed in the EU’s Habitats Directive.

Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Qaqoċċ Salvaġġ)

This thistle-like plant grows in garrigue, steppe and disturbed ground. It can grow up to 1m in height. Its violet flower-heads attract several pollinating insects, and the spines discourage herbivorous animals. The Wild Artichoke is the wild variant of the cultivated Globe Artichoke.

Common Caper (Capparis spinosa, Kappar)

This common shrub with four-petalled flowers blooms in early summer and grows along Dingli Cliffs. Traditionally, the flower buds which have not yet opened, are collected and pickled in brine  such as the local Maltese Caper produced by The Cliffs Interpretation Centre.