Elatine ta' Malta
A tiny plant that grows in short-lived rainwater pools in the rock of the garigue, flowering in February and March. It is found in Malta and nearby islands and is listed as threatened in the Maltese Red Data Book.
The Maltese waterwort grows in temporary fresh rainwater pools in the rock of garigue and phrygana. Its pink flowers open in February and March.
The Online Flora of the Maltese Islands describes it as subendemic, found in Malta and neighbouring places such as Sicily, Lampedusa and Pantelleria. It is listed as threatened in the first edition of the Red Data Book.
It is protected by law (Schedule III of S.L. 549.44), and the reference site notes that conserving it requires Special Areas of Conservation to be designated.
How to help
Keep out of rock pools and damp hollows in garigue, and do not walk through them.
Text: Online Flora of the Maltese Islands (Stephen Mifsud). Edited by the Editorial Team.
