Zagħfran tal-Blat ta' Malta Mqanfed
A tiny sand crocus found only in the Maltese Islands, which studies suggest is a sterile hybrid of two other crocuses.
The Maltese tufted sand crocus flowers in February and March, with violet, lilac or white flowers. It grows on footpaths, on bare disturbed rocky ground, in low garigue and in damp rock basins.
Studies indicate that it is a hybrid between Romulea columnae and Romulea variicolor. It always grows beside both parents and appears to be sterile, spreading instead by vegetative growth that forms small, densely packed tufts. The local flora calls it a controversial species.
It is a strictly protected endemic and is listed in the Red Data Book of the Maltese Islands as threatened.
How to help
Admire it where it grows and leave it undisturbed: it is protected by law. Report damage to plants or their habitat to ERA.
Text: Wikipedia; Online Flora of the Maltese Islands, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited by the Editorial Team.
