Today we shall be discovering the fragrant plant bearing the name Large Star of Bethlehem, ħalib it-tajr il-kbir or ħarjet iċ-ċawla). This flowering plant is native of the Mediterranean region, including Malta, and known by the scientific name of Ornithogalum arabicum.
All the names of this plant have interesting connotations: the scientific name Ornithogalum means “birds’ milk” (from the Greek words ornis meaning bird, and gala meaning milk); this is due to its white flowers and their beauty – indeed “bird’s milk” was frequently used by the Romans to indicate something wonderful. The Maltese name ħalib it-tajr also means the same, while the name ħarjet iċ-ċawla is mostly due to the contrasting black flower parts on the white petals, which resemble the crow natural leftovers. In contrast to this, the English name is based on the Star of Bethlehem which appeared in the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus, as its flowers are somewhat star-shaped.
The Large Star of Bethlehem is a bulbous perennial plant reaching a height of around 50cm. Its plain grass-like green leaves, which are sheathed at the base, are borne in an erect rosette. In April to May from the plants slender stalks, between five to 25 flowers are borne in a pretty spike-like inflorescence. The white or cream coloured bowl-shaped flowers are hermaphrodite, having a conspicuous shiny black, bead-like ovary and yellow anthers. Following pollination, a capsule-like fruit containing many seeds is formed.
The plants of the Large Star of Bethlehem, which grow close together in groups, are frequently found in uncultivated fields, rocky ground, valleys and steppes. Interestingly, abroad the Larger Star of Bethlehem is sometimes even cultivated as a garden plant or cut flower.
Unfortunately, as this flower is often collected because of its beauty and fragrance, this may lead to its decrease. It is considered to be a species of national interest and hence its over-exploitation should be avoided. However, the actions of each and everyone of us can help to safeguard this pretty plant.
Mepa is helping to protect this tree and its rare habitat through the designation of special areas of conservation.
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.