Top 20 Popular Fruits in Malta

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Top 20 Popular Fruits in Malta

Malta's mild winters and long, hot summers, complemented by its fertile soil, create ideal conditions for fruit cultivation. Renowned local fruit plants include Japanese pittosporum, Oleander, and Cape leadwort. These fruits are not just agricultural products but also integral to Malta's cultural and culinary heritage, often celebrated in seasonal festivals and local cuisine. Their growth and consumption are steeped in tradition, symbolizing the island's agricultural abundance and biodiversity.

Most Popular Fruits

Japanese pittosporum

1. Japanese pittosporum

The name of the japanese pittosporum can be deceiving. It is not a true orange plant, it instead gets its name from the fact that the highly fragrant flowers have a distinct citrus scent. The flowers don’t last for a long time, only about two weeks, but the dark evergreen foliage is attractive all year long and the plant makes a great addition to a border or as a stand-alone plant.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Marijuana

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has a very long history of cultivation for various purposes. Marijuana can be used for manufacturing industrial fiber, hemp oil, and food (seeds) in medicine and pharmacy as a recreational drug, and as an entheogen among other applications. Each plant is either male or female, with only the females producing useful amounts of oil.

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Cape leadwort

4. Cape leadwort

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Indian Laurel

5. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Bermuda buttercup

6. Bermuda buttercup

Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae) is a plant species native to South Africa. Bermuda buttercup grows low to the ground and has leaves that look like shamrocks. This plant is also known as African wood-sorrel, soursop, and sourgrass.

Castor bean

The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.

Olive

Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.

Chinese hibiscus

9. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter

Madagascar periwinkle

10. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Florist kalanchoe

12. Florist kalanchoe

Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name - Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Carob tree

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Carob tree is often used in ornamental horticulture in gardens and landscaping practices. This shrub has edible pods that are sometimes toasted, ground into powder, and used as a cooking substitute for chocolate. For commercial purposes, the pods are often cultivated in large orchards.

Natal plum

Nearly all parts of the natal plum are poisonous except for the fruit, which is red when ripe and quite delicious. It is a hardy plant, in the same family as the Oleander, and its thorns make it a good choice for barrier hedges. The white flowers are fragrant and keep blooming across two seasons.

African marigold

15. African marigold

African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.

Bear's breech

16. Bear's breech

Bear's breech (Acanthus mollis) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe from Portugal to North Africa. Bear's breech grows commonly in the wild and is often used as a garden plant. The acanthus leaves of this plant are seen throughout history in sculptures, columns, and furniture.

Exploding cucumber

17. Exploding cucumber

An unusual plant, exploding cucumber is aptly named. When ripe, this plant shoots out a stream of liquid containing its seeds. Although it looks like a small cucumber, this plant is poisonous.

Sweet fennel

18. Sweet fennel

Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering perennial plant related to carrots. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is used throughout the world as a flavoring herb. Sweet fennel has a sweet aromatic flavor similar to anise, and is an important ingredient in absinthe. In the wild, it often becomes a noxious weed.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Common borage

19. Common borage

The edible leaves of common borage, said to have the fragrance and taste of cucumbers, are often used to make salads, soup, and sauces. Its blue, star-like flowers can also be used as an attractive drink garnish and as an ingredient in some gins. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Judas tree

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small deciduous tree indigenous to Southern Europe and Western Asia. The judas tree is pollinated by bees. This species is protected in Israel. It grows best in deep, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.

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More Plants in Malta

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Malta's mild winters and hot summers create a hospitable environment for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. Despite its limited land area, the island sustains a variety of habitats conducive to the proliferation of certain poisonous plants. The potential for encountering toxic flora such as , , and poses a noteworthy risk for both humans and wildlife in the region.

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Most Common Flowers

Malta, with its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for native flowers to flourish. Among the characteristic blossoms that bloom resplendently here are , , and . These flowers add visual beauty to the landscape while also holding important symbolism and ecological importance for the region. Trustworthy sources validate the information shared, ensuring accuracy and precision in conveying their significance.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring breathes new life into Malta's landscapes, a myriad of flowers awake from their winter slumber. Amongst the first to flourish are , symbolizing rebirth with their vibrant hues, which paint the Maltese countryside with their distinct colors, and the iconic , celebrating the season's vitality. These blooms are a quintessential testament to the island's rich floral tapestry and the rejuvenating power of Spring.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Malta ushers a mild, vibrant season where fragrant blossoms and gentle warmth stimulate fruitful abundance. During this period, local gardens and orchards come alive, yielding fresh, succulent produce. Pivotal to the Maltese spring harvest are , with its juicy offerings, , known for its refreshing taste, and , a significant contributor to the local palette and economy. These fruits capture the essence of the island’s springtime rejuvenation.

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Most Common Trees

Malta's climate and soil conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Three of the most emblematic trees in Malta are , , and . These trees hold significance in the region due to their cultural and ecological value. They contribute to the diversity and beauty of the Maltese landscape, offering shade, shelter, and habitat for local wildlife.

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Most Common Weeds

Malta's warm Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and hot, dry summers, provides an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Amongst the most common invaders disrupting local gardens are , , and , each thriving in Malta's conducive conditions. These weeds pose a persistent challenge to Maltese gardeners, as they compete with cultivated plants for resources and can be difficult to eradicate.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Bathed in the warm embrace of the Mediterranean climate, Malta's terrain gently nurtures a variety of trees to elevate its skyline. Amidst this green tapestry, three giants stand out: , , and . Each of these towering tree species commands attention, their immense canopies casting wide shadows. More than just tall structures, they represent key ecological assets or bear witness to Malta's rich history, monuments of nature that hold stories and sustain biodiversity.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Malta may be chilly, but it is also a sanctuary for certain flowers. Despite the frosty environment, , , and manage to blossom beautifully, showcasing their resilience and adding a touch of beauty to the season. These flowers not only endure the cold but also hold symbolic depth, reminding us of the power of nature in the harshest of conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Malta, you can find Japanese pittosporum, Oleander, Golden pothos, Marijuana, Cape leadwort, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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