The Environment Authority has hailed the designation of a new endemic species for the Maltese Islands - the Maltese Ferule or il-ferla, which has been described scientifically as Ferula melitensis, in the scientific publication, Phytotaxa.

This species differs morphologically and genetically from other European and African ferule species, being closest to the Tunisian Ferule (Ferula tunetana). Both the Tunisian and Maltese Ferules were both originally thought to be the Common Ferule (Ferula communis).

But the Maltese plant is stockier than the Common Ferule,  with clear differences in the leaves, flowers, flowering period, fruits and seedlings.

The species is quite common in Malta, where it grows in different soils and habitats.

Historically, the species was used for the treatment of dysentery or the treatment of skin infections. However, such uses are discouraged, as the plant can be poisonous if an inappropriate dosage is employed, the environment authority said. 

In addition, dried stalks were used to sharpen razor blades or as a substitute of ‘firewood’.

The ferules are also known to produce compounds that have diverse pharmacological effects, including antibiotic/antimicrobial and compounds used in the treatment of cancer. Indeed, the medicinal potential of these compounds is considered as high, with ferulenol being considered as a lead compound in drug discovery.

The origin of the Maltese Ferule is assumed to be due to geographic isolation from North Africa as a result of alternating sea-levels in the period between 5.96 to 5.33 million years ago.