Maltese Cross flower (2)

The Maltese Cross flower (Lychnis chalcedonica) referred to by Mary Mallia (July 8) and John Schembri and Angela Huntley (July 14) has nothing to do with Malta and is not found around Fort St Angelo or anywhere else in the Maltese Islands. It has never been part of our flora.

This plant is in fact a native of Russia and Siberia, and has been grown as a garden ornamental for hundreds of years in various countries. It seems to be particularly popular in North America. Its name is derived from its flowers which superficially resemble the Maltese Cross (but with 10 rather than eight points).

The plant referred to as growing at Fort St. Angelo is another very different plant (Tribulus terrestris), unfortunately sometimes also known as the Maltese Cross (it is most often known as the Small Caltrops). This is a major problem with common names - the same name may refer to more than one plant, and the same plant may have many different names, especially if it is widespread and found in many countries - hence the scientific names botanists have to use.

This plant is known in Maltese as Ghatba or Salib l-art. It is a small, spreading, low lying plant with small yellow flowers (about 1cm across) which are produced in the summer months. It is the star shaped fruits which somewhat resemble the Maltese Cross (again with 10 points rather than eight). The frequent reference to it growing only at Fort St Angelo must have come about from this resemblance to the Maltese Cross. It is in fact a somewhat frequent but rather inconspicuous plant which locally grows in various places, especially in disturbed ground close to the sea. It is a very widespread plant and is found in warm regions in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas.