Garrigue (Maltese: xagħri) is the second stage in the ecological succession. It is the most common natural vegetation type present in Malta and is characterised by low-lying, usually aromatic and spiny woody shrubs that are resistant to drought and exposure. This habitat is characteristic of the karstic rocky regions of the islands on outcrops of coralline limestone.

Many sub-types of garrigue exist, including the Mediterranean thyme (scientific: Thymus capitatus; Maltese: sagħtar), the Mediterranean heath (scientific: Erica mutliflora; Maltese: leħjet ix-xiħ), the endemic Maltese spurge (scientific: Euphorbia melitensis; Maltese: tengħud tax-xagħri), the endemic Maltese fleabane (scientific: Chiliadenus bocconei; Maltese: tulliera ta' Malta) and many others. On the other hand, maritime garigue, present on gently sloping rocky areas, is characterised by the golden samphire (scientific: Inula crithmoides; Maltese: xorbett), the sea samphire (scientific: Crithmum maritimum; Maltese: bużbież il-baħar) and the endemic Maltese sea lavender (scientific: Limonium melitensis; Maltese: limonju ta' Malta). One can also distinguish between high and low garrigues, there being marked structural differences between the two. Low garrigues are characterised by low-growing bushes (less than 0.5m high), while large bushes of up to one metre in height dominate in high garrigues.

A variety of endemic and rare species thrive in garrigue habitat, such as the Maltese spider orchid (scientific: Ophrys melitensis) and the endemic Maltese shrew (scientific: Crocidura sicula calypso; Maltese: ġurdien ta' ħalqu twil ta' Għawdex).

More information can be sought from nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.

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