Although, the common elder in Maltese sambuka, (scientific name: sambucus nigra) is native of Europe, north Africa and west Asia there are some reservations as to whether this tree is a true native of our islands.
The common elder is a small tree, capable of reaching a height of four to six metres. Its grey to brownish-grey bark supports leaves, which are composed of five to seven oppositely arranged leaflets.
The latter are covered with tiny hairs beneath and are roughly ovate in shape.
In spring this plant bears flat-topped flowering parts which are composed of large clusters of small flowers, having five whitish petals and cream-coloured anthers (the part of the flower which produces pollen). Following pollination a dark purple to black berry is produced, which, however, does not always ripen in Malta.
This tree has many culinary uses. The berries, for example, are utilised to make wines, drinks and preserves such as elderberry jam, as well as herbal teas, for which the flowers may also be used; moreover the flowers may also be eaten when cooked.
The common elder is also widely used medicinally to treat a variety of problems such as coughs, respiratory infections, cuts, bruises and inflammation among others.
Interestingly, its flowers and berries are also used to produce a violet colorant for dying, while its wood was in the past used to produce lathwork, kitchen utensils and fuel.
This tree, which was cultivated in the past for its economic properties, is today very rarely found on our islands. The common elder is a strictly protected tree under national legislation; hence one should not prune, fell or uproot it without previously obtaining the necessary permits.
More information may be obtained by e-mail: 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.