Latin name:Helichrysum melitense Latin name:Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone & (Pignatti) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone & RonsisvalleCommon names:Sempreviva RonsisvalleCommon names:Sempreviva t'Ghawdex (Maltese); Perpetuini delle t'Ghawdex (Maltese); Perpetuini delle Scogliere Maltese (Italian); Maltese Scogliere Maltese (Italian); Maltese everlasting (English)Family:Compositae everlasting (English)Family:Compositae (daisy family)Status:CRITICALLY (daisy family)Status:CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR)ENDANGERED (CR)

Where is it found?Where is it found? This species is restricted to the western This species is restricted to the western

cliffs of the island of Gozo and Fungus cliffs of the island of Gozo and Fungus Rock Nature Reserve. It is probably extinct Rock Nature Reserve. It is probably extinct on the island of Malta. Helichrysum on the island of Malta. Helichrysum melitense has a patchy distribution and melitense has a patchy distribution and mainly grows on intact limestone coastal mainly grows on intact limestone coastal cliffs and scree, preferring full sun. cliffs and scree, preferring full sun. Occasionally it may also be found along Occasionally it may also be found along the more accessible plateau on top of the the more accessible plateau on top of the cliffscliffs. .

How to recognise itHow to recognise it Helichrysum melitense is a low shrub with dense Helichrysum melitense is a low shrub with dense

foliage, rarely exceeding 50 cm in height. The foliage, rarely exceeding 50 cm in height. The stems and foliage appear whitish due to a dense stems and foliage appear whitish due to a dense cover of woolly hairs. The leaves are spatula-cover of woolly hairs. The leaves are spatula-shaped and rounded at the end. This plant usually shaped and rounded at the end. This plant usually flowers from May to June producing dense flowers from May to June producing dense clusters of bright yellow flower heads. Fruiting clusters of bright yellow flower heads. Fruiting occurs in summer and early autumn. Its small occurs in summer and early autumn. Its small seeds are attached to a parachute-like structure seeds are attached to a parachute-like structure which helps in wind dispersal. The leaves have an which helps in wind dispersal. The leaves have an intense aromatic smell. intense aromatic smell.

Interesting factsInteresting facts This species is very This species is very

ornamental and could ornamental and could be cultivated. Several be cultivated. Several other Helichrysum other Helichrysum species are used to species are used to cure asthma and cure asthma and rheumatism, but there rheumatism, but there is no evidence of this is no evidence of this species being used for species being used for medicinal purposes.medicinal purposes.

Why is it threatened?Why is it threatened? This species has been categorized CR This species has been categorized CR

(Critically Endangered) according to IUCN (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). Only one Red List Criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v). Only one population of a few thousand individuals population of a few thousand individuals remains on Gozo and Fungus rock, remains on Gozo and Fungus rock, covering an area of less than 25 km2. covering an area of less than 25 km2. While the number of individuals growing While the number of individuals growing on the inaccessible cliffs seem to be on the inaccessible cliffs seem to be stable, there is a decline on the more stable, there is a decline on the more accessible plateau. accessible plateau.

Cliff habitats are endangered or have already Cliff habitats are endangered or have already collapsed due to pressure waves from the collapsed due to pressure waves from the explosions of nearby limestone quarrying. To a explosions of nearby limestone quarrying. To a lesser extent, dust from the quarries may also lesser extent, dust from the quarries may also pose a threat. Regeneration of this species is low, pose a threat. Regeneration of this species is low, possibly due to insects eating the seeds, which possibly due to insects eating the seeds, which jeopardizes the re-establishment of this species jeopardizes the re-establishment of this species where it was once found. Introduced alien plant where it was once found. Introduced alien plant species pose serious problems, especially Opuntia species pose serious problems, especially Opuntia ficus-indica, Agave americana and Carpobrotus ficus-indica, Agave americana and Carpobrotus edulis, which are colonizing the cliffs. edulis, which are colonizing the cliffs.

Urbanization and tourism are Urbanization and tourism are dramatically increasing in this dramatically increasing in this species' habitat on the plateau. species' habitat on the plateau. Other threats include wild collection Other threats include wild collection for ornamental purposes as well as for ornamental purposes as well as the recent construction of kiosks and the recent construction of kiosks and boat-houses near the shore. boat-houses near the shore.

What is being done to protect it?What is being done to protect it? Legally: Internationally this species is listed in Legally: Internationally this species is listed in

Appendix I of the Bern Convention and in Appendix I of the Bern Convention and in Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive as Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive as a priority species, since Malta's EU accession in a priority species, since Malta's EU accession in May 2004. On the national level, it is protected by May 2004. On the national level, it is protected by the Flora and Fauna Protection Regulations of the Flora and Fauna Protection Regulations of 1993. Part of the cliffs on Gozo is protected 1993. Part of the cliffs on Gozo is protected locally as a Special Area of Conservation. Fungus locally as a Special Area of Conservation. Fungus Rock (il-Gebla tal-General) is a Strict Nature Rock (il-Gebla tal-General) is a Strict Nature Reserve. Access is forbidden, valid scientific Reserve. Access is forbidden, valid scientific reasons excepted. reasons excepted.

What conservation actions are needed?What conservation actions are needed? Legal protection of all those parts of the cliffs on Legal protection of all those parts of the cliffs on

Gozo supporting the species is desirable. Legal Gozo supporting the species is desirable. Legal protection (e.g. against illegal dumping) must be protection (e.g. against illegal dumping) must be strengthened to protect this species and its strengthened to protect this species and its habitat. A management plan for the western cliffs habitat. A management plan for the western cliffs on Gozo is needed and it should include the on Gozo is needed and it should include the requirements of Natura 2000, to attain requirements of Natura 2000, to attain sustainable tourism in the area. Efforts should be sustainable tourism in the area. Efforts should be made to re-introduce the species on the main made to re-introduce the species on the main island of Malta, and ex situ propagation for island of Malta, and ex situ propagation for ornamental purposes should be encouraged. ornamental purposes should be encouraged. More studies are needed to monitor the decline of More studies are needed to monitor the decline of the specimens on the plateau. the specimens on the plateau.

English name:English name:Araar TreeAraar TreeIt is called by various other names, including: It is called by various other names, including: Sandarac Gum Tree; Barbary Arbor-Vitae; Alerce; Sandarac Gum Tree; Barbary Arbor-Vitae; Alerce; Mediterranean Alerce; Citron-Wood Tree; and Mediterranean Alerce; Citron-Wood Tree; and Maltese name:Maltese name:Known as Gharghar or Sigra tal-Gharghar.Known as Gharghar or Sigra tal-Gharghar.The origin of this name is Semitic, derived from The origin of this name is Semitic, derived from the Arabic word 'ar'ar. the Arabic word 'ar'ar. Scientific name:Scientific name:Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) MastersTetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters

General Distribution:General Distribution: This tree is confined to This tree is confined to the island of Malta and the island of Malta and the region of Murcia in the region of Murcia in Spain (in a small Spain (in a small locality near locality near Cartagena) in Europe. Cartagena) in Europe. Nonetheless, it is Nonetheless, it is widespread in North widespread in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria Africa (Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia, and reported & Tunisia, and reported from Libya).from Libya).

Status in the Maltese IslandsStatus in the Maltese Islands: In the : In the wild, the tree is found only on the island of wild, the tree is found only on the island of Malta, being completely absent from Gozo, Malta, being completely absent from Gozo, Comino and the minor islets. It is very Comino and the minor islets. It is very rare, with some 100 trees still surviving in rare, with some 100 trees still surviving in the wild, most of which occur in Northern the wild, most of which occur in Northern Malta.Malta.Used to occur in various other areas, like Used to occur in various other areas, like Eastern Malta, localities from which it Eastern Malta, localities from which it disappeared centuries to decades ago.disappeared centuries to decades ago.

HabitatHabitat:: Mostly Mediterranean Mostly Mediterranean maquis, a type of community maquis, a type of community characterised by small evergreen characterised by small evergreen trees like carob and olive, but is also trees like carob and olive, but is also capable of colonising and growing on capable of colonising and growing on rocky slopes.rocky slopes.

Height and shapeHeight and shape: It is an : It is an evergreen tree reaching a height of evergreen tree reaching a height of about 15m with a reddish-brown about 15m with a reddish-brown scented trunk. If it grows in rock scented trunk. If it grows in rock fissures and rocky slopes it never fissures and rocky slopes it never attains such heights and may grow attains such heights and may grow up to 5m in height. The tree bear up to 5m in height. The tree bear characteristic cones characteristic cones

Conservation MeasuresConservation Measures:: As from 16th January, 1992, As from 16th January, 1992, it has been declared the Maltese National Tree.it has been declared the Maltese National Tree.* Listed in the Council of Europe's List of Rare, * Listed in the Council of Europe's List of Rare, Threatened and Endemic Plants of Europe.Threatened and Endemic Plants of Europe.* Legally protected in the Maltese Islands as from 1993 * Legally protected in the Maltese Islands as from 1993 (by virtue of Legal Notice 49 of 1993 published under the (by virtue of Legal Notice 49 of 1993 published under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (Act V of provisions of the Environment Protection Act (Act V of 1991).1991).* Listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants * Listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants as a rare species.as a rare species.* Listed in the Red Data Book for the Maltese Islands as * Listed in the Red Data Book for the Maltese Islands as an endangered tree with a restricted distribution in the an endangered tree with a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands and in the Mediterranean.Maltese Islands and in the Mediterranean.

Cultural ImportanceCultural Importance: Some : Some Maltese localities bear names Maltese localities bear names related to the tree, as for related to the tree, as for example San Gwann tal-example San Gwann tal-Gharghar, a locality located in Gharghar, a locality located in what is nowadays better known what is nowadays better known as San Gwann. Other localities as San Gwann. Other localities which were classically stated to which were classically stated to bear their names form the tree bear their names form the tree (like Gharghur) are more (like Gharghur) are more probably derived from the local probably derived from the local name Girgor (as indicated in old name Girgor (as indicated in old maps). Since its declaration as maps). Since its declaration as the national tree it has also the national tree it has also been depicted in a poster been depicted in a poster issued by the then Environment issued by the then Environment Secretariat, now the Secretariat, now the Environment Protection Environment Protection Department.Department.

Economic ImportanceEconomic Importance: The resin of the tree, : The resin of the tree, called sandarac (hence one of its English called sandarac (hence one of its English names) has various industrial uses. It is also names) has various industrial uses. It is also said to aid against teeth ruining and is hence said to aid against teeth ruining and is hence used as "toothpaste". Sometimes used instead used as "toothpaste". Sometimes used instead of Canada Balsam in the preparation of of Canada Balsam in the preparation of microscope glasses.microscope glasses.

Its wood/timber, called citron wood, is highly Its wood/timber, called citron wood, is highly prized for fine woodwork such as cabinet-prized for fine woodwork such as cabinet-making and was in fact extensively used by making and was in fact extensively used by Romans as building material.Romans as building material.

Uses in Landscaping and Uses in Landscaping and Environmental ManagementEnvironmental Management: As : As most conifers, it can withstand most conifers, it can withstand drought to a considerable degree, drought to a considerable degree, and is capable of withstanding a and is capable of withstanding a certain degree of salinity as it grows certain degree of salinity as it grows in coastal localities. It would be an in coastal localities. It would be an excellent tree for afforesting rocky excellent tree for afforesting rocky slopesslopes

Though it burns easily, the tree is not Though it burns easily, the tree is not usually killed by fire since its usually killed by fire since its vegetative growth is usually vegetative growth is usually stimulated by fire. It produces shoots stimulated by fire. It produces shoots from a rootstock below ground level from a rootstock below ground level after the passage of fire.after the passage of fire.

Use in afforestationUse in afforestation: Very ornamental as : Very ornamental as a tree, and its use as such is increasing a tree, and its use as such is increasing since its declaration as the national tree.since its declaration as the national tree.

Other NotesOther Notes: Probably represents a relict : Probably represents a relict species in Europe. It used to occur in other species in Europe. It used to occur in other European countries prior to the ice-ages European countries prior to the ice-ages (as evidenced by fossils in France), and (as evidenced by fossils in France), and became restricted to Spain and Malta due became restricted to Spain and Malta due to climate changes which eradicated the to climate changes which eradicated the tree from the other European countries.tree from the other European countries.

English nameEnglish name:Maltese Rock-Centuary.:Maltese Rock-Centuary.It is called by other names, like Maltese Knapweed or It is called by other names, like Maltese Knapweed or Maltese Centuary, but both are incorrect, in that our Maltese Centuary, but both are incorrect, in that our national plant is not a knapweed, and the Maltese national plant is not a knapweed, and the Maltese Centuary is another plant (i.e. Centaurea melitensis).Centuary is another plant (i.e. Centaurea melitensis).

Maltese nameMaltese name:Known as Widnet il-Bahar.:Known as Widnet il-Bahar.The translation of this name is Sea Scorpiurus, and is The translation of this name is Sea Scorpiurus, and is derived from the Semitic words widna (ear, but in derived from the Semitic words widna (ear, but in Maltese also the name of scorpiurus plants) and bahar Maltese also the name of scorpiurus plants) and bahar (sea).(sea).

Scientific nameScientific name:Palaeocyanus crassifolius (Bertoloni) :Palaeocyanus crassifolius (Bertoloni) DostálDostál

General Distribution: This plant is endemic to the Maltese Islands, being found only in Malta and Gozo in the world.

Status in the Maltese Islands: It is rare with a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands, being localised to the southern and western cliffs of Malta and the south-western cliffs of Gozo.

Height and shapeHeight and shape: An : An evergreen shrubby plant evergreen shrubby plant with fleshy leaves shaped with fleshy leaves shaped like a spoon-handle usually like a spoon-handle usually growing up to 50 cm. The growing up to 50 cm. The leaves do not usually have a leaves do not usually have a toothed margin (called toothed margin (called serrations) but some plants, serrations) but some plants, especially in Gozo, may especially in Gozo, may show such serrations. By the show such serrations. By the end of May it starts to open end of May it starts to open its beautiful magenta its beautiful magenta coloured flower-heads which coloured flower-heads which are borne on long stalks. are borne on long stalks. Flowering continues till JulyFlowering continues till July..

Conservation Measures Taken:Conservation Measures Taken:

* As from 1971, it has been declared the Maltese * As from 1971, it has been declared the Maltese National Plant.National Plant.* Legally protected by virtue of Legal Notice 49 of * Legally protected by virtue of Legal Notice 49 of 1993, published under the provisions of the 1993, published under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (Act V of 1991).Environment Protection Act (Act V of 1991).* Some of the cliffs on the island of Malta where this * Some of the cliffs on the island of Malta where this species occurs are protected as Areas of Ecological species occurs are protected as Areas of Ecological Importance by virtue of Gove rnment Notice 400 of Importance by virtue of Gove rnment Notice 400 of 1996 published under the provisions of the 1996 published under the provisions of the Development Planning Act of 1992.Development Planning Act of 1992.

* Listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants as a rare species.* Listed in the Red Data Book for the Maltese Islands as a rare endemic plant with a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands.

Cultural ImportanceCultural Importance: Besides its cultural : Besides its cultural importance as an endemic, this plant was, importance as an endemic, this plant was, as stated previously, declared as the as stated previously, declared as the Maltese National Plant in 1971; it was Maltese National Plant in 1971; it was subsequently depicted in a set of postage subsequently depicted in a set of postage stamps and on a commemorative coin as stamps and on a commemorative coin as well as on paper money. The emblem of well as on paper money. The emblem of the Society for the Study and Conservation the Society for the Study and Conservation of Nature, a local non-governmental of Nature, a local non-governmental organisation.organisation.

Economic ImportanceEconomic Importance: It is said : It is said that the succulent leaves are edible.that the succulent leaves are edible.

CultivationCultivation: This is a very : This is a very decorative plant that is quite easy to decorative plant that is quite easy to cultivate. It has been cultivated since cultivate. It has been cultivated since its declaration as the Maltese its declaration as the Maltese National Plant, and can be easily National Plant, and can be easily found in public gardens found in public gardens

Other NotesOther Notes: It represents a relict species : It represents a relict species probably in existence since the era before probably in existence since the era before the Ice-Ages and represents a monotypic the Ice-Ages and represents a monotypic genus, i.e. a genus with only one species; genus, i.e. a genus with only one species; is very important in that it is ancestral to is very important in that it is ancestral to the much widespread centuaries, the much widespread centuaries, knapweeds and star-thistles and is knapweeds and star-thistles and is perhaps the remnant of an ancestral group perhaps the remnant of an ancestral group from which the modern centuaries evolved from which the modern centuaries evolved