Habitats of the Maltese islands (6)

Mediterranean woodlands (Maltese: msaġar) are characterised by sclerophyllous (hard-leaved, evergreen) trees with an undergrowth of smaller shrubs. This is the highest type of vegetation that can develop in the Mediterranean climatic regime, in other words, the climax of the ecological succession, which develops from maquis in the absence of disturbance caused by man.

In Malta, this habitat was virtually exterminated following colonisation of the islands by man and grazing effects of introduced sheep and goats.

Nowadays, only a few remnants prevail. Remnants are dominated by the holm oak (scientific: quercus ilex; Maltese: balluta) and the aleppo pine (scientific: pinus halepensis; Maltese: żnuber). Some of the holm oaks are estimated to be 500 to 900 years old. Coastal wood remnants are instead characterised by tamarisk trees (scientific: tamarix spp.; Maltese: bruk) and chaste trees (scientific: vitex agnus castus; Maltese: siġra tal-virgi), whereas riparian (close to a water stream) woodland relicts are typified by the white poplar (scientific: populus alba; Maltese: luqa) and different elm trees (scientific: ulmus spp.; Maltese: speċi ta' ulmu) [picture].

Buskett is a semi-natural woodland, where the aleppo pine, together with the evergreen oak, the olive and the carob regenerate naturally.

It is important for many wood-associated species, including invertebrates, mycoflora and birds.

More informationmay be sought from nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.