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I found this plant growing outside Ghadira nature reserve amongst
some sharp rushes and prickly saltworts so I assume it is a wetland/saltmarsh inhabitant. Plant was 2-3 feet high with woody branches and looked like it had just flowered - this was at the end of october. I have no idea whether it is an escape or indigenous but I am pretty sure I have not seen it elsewhere
thanks
wolf
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Any close ups of the flower ?? What is its habitat? Where the photo was taken? Which time of the year. These might all help the ID of this strange plant.
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Sorry, I was concentrating on the photo and missed the first post.
I dont think is a garden escape because as I assume, it does not form showy flowers, and who would want plants with iconspicuous flowers in his garden?!
Might be some escape from seeds used to feed the birds ?!
(tipo Qanneb, and all those different type of seeds found in bird feed). Keep an eye on it and see if it makes any familiar seeds.
Just my speculations. I have not encountered anything like this around.
I suspect that it is an Ambrosia species (Asteraceae)- flowers at the top are males, females (you can see round fruits) below. I agree Mr. Admini that it could be introduced with birds fodder.
Spot on Mr.Weber ! Bravo ! Moreover I suggest this is in fact AMROSIA MARITIMA a native plant and classified as rare ...the bible says it has woody stems and is an inhabitant of coast / sand and way back in 1977 was present in Mellieha. My only source of comparison ( see pic ) also seems to fit in nicely with photo I posted.
I think we have a positive identification ..... ?
wolf
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Without making any research yet, and by comparing the photos - I am noticing that the leaves are not identical. One is lobed the other is rather linear/oblong.
Actually I am still living on a borrowed copy of the haslam bible - I find it hard to buy a book which is so difficult to follow and chaotic in its presentation - as well as short and awkward as far as illustrations go - all in all written to put people off the subject !
Mela, according to the book Coastal sand dunes under siege of 2002, the species Ambrosia maritima "seems to persist only at Ghadira where it is very rare and localised, although young aromatic plants observed at Comino were probably of this species." Thus, it seems you have found another very rare plant Wolf. Keep it up!
There is a special Library called Melitensia and one should find all books related to Malta including about environment and flora. Of course, you can order/buy from local book shops like Agenda or Sapienza in Malta - prepare the cash though!
AFAIK, Melitensia Libraries do not allow lending of books. You have to read the book and gather the info at the library and then photocopy the pages of interest. At least this was the system some 4 yrs ago.
Exactly, Melitensia is a very good place for books, but you can't borrow. This particular book I bought it from Sapienza, if you wish I can lend it to you no problem
Wolf you got a direct hit! Ambrosia maritima is very rare, thought to be indigenous and found in Malta only at this site. I hope you still hold the pictures in original size- may be I will once come back to you.
