The evergreen honeysuckle, qarn il-mogħża, is commonly found in valleys, rocky sides or our maquis- an ecosystem characterised by small trees and large shrubs. This species of honeysuckle is native of the Mediterranean region including Malta, and bears the scientific name of Lonicera implexa. It is thought that the botanical name Lonicera stems from the name of the German botanist Adam Lonicer, while the term implexa derives from the Latin implexus which means to “interwind” or “interlace” (due to its climbing nature and the nature of its leaves).
The evergreen honeysuckle is a woody evergreen shrub which may reach a height of one to three metres. The much branched, smooth and twisting stems bear glossy green to bluish green leaves. These thick leather-like foliage which are arranged in opposite pairs do not have any stalks but are attached directly onto the stems. In contrast, however, the leaves next to the flowers are fused to form a cup.
From the beginning of spring until summer the shrub is decked with pinkish flowers which are borne in clusters on the new stem growth. Their petals are fused together forming a long tube from which protrudes five stamen – pollen-containing stalks. Upon fertilisation oval berries are produced, which become red upon maturity.
The evergreen honeysuckle is just one of the very diverse array of plants found on our islands and is part of our heritage. Through, the designation of special areas of conservation Mepa is helping to safeguard many important natural habitats and species.
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.