Helichrysum melitense
| Helichrysum melitense | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helichrysum |
| Species: | H. melitense |
| Binomial name | |
| Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone & Ronsisvalle | |
The Maltese Everlasting (Helichrysum melitense) is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family and is endemic to Malta,specifically on the island of Gozo in the wild, very rare as ornamental in Malta island. Probably extinct in the wild from Malta island, where it used to occur at Wied Babu, limits of Zurrieq. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation on Coastal garigue and vertical sheer cliffs. Recently, it was recorded in new locations on the island of Gozo.
Other info: The flowers smell like curry, and when flowers are kept dry indoors, they can last for many years with their original colours, hence the name 'Everlasting'. The leaves have many tiny silvery hairs on their surface, and when wet they look green,but when dry they look silvery. The hairs protect the plant for the heavy winds and summer drought from drying up. Sadly this species is on the decline in the wild, and it is threatened by habitat loss. Fortunately, it's very easy to cultivate, and it's gaining ornamental popularity amongst the locals.
See also
Source
SCIBERRAS, J. & SCIBERRAS, A (2009) Notes on the distribution of Helichrysum melitense,Hyoseris frutescens and Matthiola incana melitensis in the Maltese islands. The Central Mediterranean Naturalist 5(1):28-34. Nature Trust Malta publications.
- Stevens, D. & Lanfranco, E. 2006. Helichrysum melitense. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 20 July 2007.