Not too many people are aware that a variety of wild tulip (tulipa australis) exists in Malta. Understandably its exact location is a closely guarded secret, known mostly to nature enthusiasts. I have known about this species for quite a long time and I knew the valley it was located in, but it had taken me quite a few forays to finally locate it. I think it was 2005 - eight years ago.
In subsequent years I sometimes wandered to the area again at the appropriate time of year and was sad to see the place was now being tilled and there were no signs of this rare plant. I assumed it was all but extinct - or at best another population had established itself somewhere nearby.
So it was a pleasant surprise to revisit the area today and find the tulip still in place with about a dozen or so plants in flower. A wonder really that this plant survives at all in an area not larger than your average sized room - and apparently nowhere else.
In subsequent years I sometimes wandered to the area again at the appropriate time of year and was sad to see the place was now being tilled and there were no signs of this rare plant. I assumed it was all but extinct - or at best another population had established itself somewhere nearby.
So it was a pleasant surprise to revisit the area today and find the tulip still in place with about a dozen or so plants in flower. A wonder really that this plant survives at all in an area not larger than your average sized room - and apparently nowhere else.
Tulipa australis photographed in 2005...
...and in 2013.
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