Tree in a valley

[MWP admin]

Any ideas on this small sized tree. No fruit, flowers or scent to help us. Could be some agriculture escape too !?

[RB]

Med willow, Salix pedicellata

RB

[RB]

Addition: Maltese name "Zafzafa iz-zghira" even though right next to these trees you probably saw the White Willow (S. alba) with smaller leaves, called Zafzafa il-Kbira, but ultimately the White Willow grows to a greater height.

And very fast too. I have some 20-30 cm cuttings taken in December, which are now apprx 2+ meters high, and still growing. Very very easy to propagate, close to 100% success rate for the White willow.

The other, the Med willow, also roots very rapidly, but there seems to be a tendency for even very well rooted cuttings to rot in the early months of the year, and for this reason the success rate is probably about 30%. They also grow a lot slower than alba (but still fast).

RB

[MWP admin]

Thank you, your help is always invaluable.

[MWP admin]

I visited the tree and confirm Salix pedicellata. You are really great RB! - By the way, this is not from Chadwick lakes and I am checking if it is a first record.

[RB]

Is it from near the road to Bahrija, cos thats where most of them are.

RB

[MWP admin]

No it is not that one, but could be a new record (just 2 tress not a forest!) at the nearabouts of Verdala.

[RB]

Oh ok I know where, there is also white willow. Just like almost anywhere else you will find this, a relatively recent planting.

RB