The sea holly, known in Maltese as ix-xewk tar-ramel, is native to Europe. It is associated with sea-shore (littoral) habitats. In Malta, Eryngium maritimum (scientific name) is considered to be very rare.

It is a thistle-like plant which grows to around 60cm tall. The stem is rigid and is significantly branched. The numerous leaves have a bluish tinge. They are also spiny - this to deter grazing animals from damaging them. The bluish burr-shaped flowers are inconspicuous and aggregated into a dense and rounded inflorescence. Beneath the flowers are whorls of spiny bracts.

The root-system of the sea holly is able to grow through aggregated sand. It may extend down to some one metre or more. This herbaceous perennial has a number of adaptations to be able to survive water-loss.

For instance, it has a waxy cuticle, which prevents excessive transpiration – this is a process of loss of water vapour in plants (similar to sweating in humans). This cuticle probably also acts as a barrier and helps protect the plant from the erosive effect that can be caused by blown sand.

This herb has been mentioned in a number of Latin medical and herbal texts, some of which even date back to the late 12th century. Such literature shows us that in Elizabethan times these plants were believed to be a strong aphrodisiac. Through the protection of sand dunes, Mepa is doing its part in safeguarding the fascinating Sea Holly, as well as helping to protect other plant life inhabiting this scarce habitat.

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.