The charming white poplar (siġra tal-luq) is scientifically known as populus alba.
The white poplar is a spectacular large tree capable of reaching a height of around 25 metres. A slight breeze usually sets the foliage dancing in the branches, giving the spectator the illusion of a glittering tree. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter leaving the slivery white stems exposed.
The oval leaves, which are three-to-five lobed, are particularly eye-catching, with their dark-green surface and whitish undersides. The latter are densely covered with soft cottony hairs. These trees may be either male or female. The female’s flowers are green, while the male’s flowers have reddish anthers. In Malta, male trees are frequent but female trees are very rare.
This rare native prefers living in wet and damp environments such as along watercourses, which unfortunately are somewhat uncommon on our islands. It is along these watercourses that we usually find remnants of the Mediterranean riparian woodlands. This habitat type, when dominated by trees such as the white poplar, is considered to be a habitat of importance at European level. According to a report compiled by Mepa this habitat type has an unfavourable conservation status, which means that it requires further protection measures if we are to continue to enjoy it.
Mepa, however, is helping to protect this tree and its habitat through the designation of special areas of conservation, such as Wied il-Luq.
The white poplar is considered to be a strictly protected tree under national legislation and one should not prune, fell or uproot this tree without previously obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities.
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 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.