glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum), which PLANT HEALTH dominate in rocky areas. DIRECTORATE Rupestral communities are formations of shrubs which grow on vertical coastal cliffs or inland escarpments. This habitat hosts many of our endemic species, particularly the Tree germander Maltese rock centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius), the Maltese cliff orache (Cremnophyton lanfrancoi), the Maltese salt tree (Salsola melitensis), the Maltese everlasting (Helichrysum melitense) and the Maltese Inland garrigue hyoseris (Hyoseris frutescens). generally develops on arid, low-nutrient and shallow Good representations of maritime and inland soils in the absence of disturbances. This habitat can be garrigue habitats can be found at Marfa (Mellieħa), highly diverse and characterised by various xerophytic Wied Babu and Wied iż-Żurrieq (Żurrieq/ (drought-tolerant) shrubs, which are often aromatic, Qrendi), Ta’ Ċenċ (Gozo) and Comino. Rupestral summer-deciduous (leaf-shedding) or spiny. Such communities can be observed at Dingli and Ħal species comprise the Mediterranean thyme (Thymbra Far in Malta, and at Ta’ Ċenċ and Dwejra in Gozo. capitata), the Tree germander (Teucrium fruticans), the Mediterranean heath (Erica multiflora), the Tree Photography: Guido Bonett, Jeffrey Sciberras spurge (Euphorbia dendroides), the endemic Maltese spurge (Euphorbia melitensis) and the endemic Shrubby kidney vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis). Maritime garrigue is generally found on low-lying coastal areas growing in Maltese natural soils with high salinity due to their exposure to sea spray. The most typical halophytic (salt-tolerant) species are habitats: Garrigue and the Golden samphire (Limbarda crithmoides), the Sea rupestral communities samphire (Crithmum maritimum) and the Shrubby Mediterranean heath Wild plants and the habitats they form constitute Address: essential elements of the local biodiversity and our Plant Health Directorate, Plant Biotechnology Centre, natural heritage. Through the EAFRD Project on Annibale Preca Str, Lija LJA 1915, Malta. the Study and Sustainable Conservation of Varieties Website: www.planthealth.gov.mt of Local Plants, the Plant Health Directorate has Telephone: 22926535 embarked upon activities to conserve such species, Email: [email protected] particularly those characterised by small and isolated populations, in order to safeguard them against the risks of human-induced impacts, natural disasters and climate change effects. Mediterranean thyme Maltese natural habitat: Garrigue and rupestral PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR AGRICULTURE, communities FISHERIES AND ANIMAL RIGHTS This category of habitats is characterised by low- growing, perennial shrubs growing in soil patches in the rock leading to partial vegetation coverage Maltese rock centaury interspersed with bare ground. .