Close-ups of Maltese nature (1)

Quite a name for a plant - bear's breeches, or in Maltese ħannewija. It grows to around one metre in height.

Its white flowers come with purple veins and purple bracts (modified leaf) and appear in late spring to early summer.

The male parts inside the flower are in such a manner that only specific insects can pollinate them - strong ones.

Small bees go into the flowers but are not strong enough to go out again. On a hot sunny day, in an area with a number of these plants, one can hear a loud crack, the sound of a small pistol shot. This is the result of seeds being expelled explosively.

Its scientific name is also interesting: Acanthus mollis. Acanthus comes from the Greek word acanthos/akanthos which means thorny. This refers to the thorn-bearing sepal - part of the flower which lies below the petals. Mollis comes from Latin, and means soft or flexible.

This refers to the particularly attractive leaves - dark green, smooth and shiny, wide and long - 40-60cm long.

They have actually inspired motifs, even in the Greek era, and which we can see at the upper parts of Corinthian columns.

We can find bear's breeches mostly in shady areas in maquis and valley areas, but also in disturbed land.

It grows wild across most of the Mediterranean and it is often cultivated, making an impressive sight when found in large numbers. It was used to soften swollen skin and to heal wounds.

Should you require more information, please contact nature.

requests@mepa.org.mt.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta together with many other countries around the globe is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.