Sandarac Gum tree - Siġra ta' l-Għarar

[Avocado]

I walked through Buskett looking for this type of tree but could not identify it amongst the numerous Aleppo Pines and Oaks. I noted Agaves and Carob trees and of course the White Poplars in the Valley Watercourse bearing the Poplars ' name.

I think Buskett is a marvel - a jewel of mother nature bequeathed by the knights in this dry climate.

Could anyone tell me where the sandarac tree can be seen. I gather there are also specimens at Sant' anton Gardens but I haven't located them. All in all though it is the National Tree it appears to remain rare. I'm susprised it has not been propagated more, especially when it enjoys such status!

[MG]

There are some relatively recently planted in some fields on the left hand side of the watercourse, going down i.e. approximately below the President's Palace.

They are not impossible to propagate by seed, I have a couple (well three actually). The germination rate is low but seed is not difficult to collect.

MG

[Avocado]

I take it then that are no old trees at Buskett.

From your experience do the saplings grow slowly? If so coupled with a low germination rate it is not surprising this type of tree is rare... It probably cannot even compete with other indigenous or otherwise species of trees.

I suppose like other big trees they're best planted away from buildings as their roots would cause structural damage and raise the floor or ground!

The (unidentified) trees on the Rabat road on the side close to the Fleur De Lys round about are even breaking the centre strip and playing havoc with the road surface on the outer lane of the carriage way leading to Valletta... It must be a dilemma to decide what to do in such instances....  The road may eventually collapse.

[MG]

No, they grow reasonably fast (well not half as fast as Pinus halepensis).

Not sure about Buskett having older ones, possibly.

There are Pecan trees in Buskett, probably few know this. The nuts are very tasty! They are also propagable by seed, you need to put them in the refrigerator with some compost to keep them cold for around 3 months / overwinter first, then a soaking for a day or so (not for days) and most will germinate come March/April.

The trees in FDL that you refer to are Eucalyptus, are they not? They have very destructive root systems as they run just below the surface, in the main. I have seen trees with exposed root systems due to flooding/soil erosion in Sicily, the roots radiate from the trees just below the surface to a distance beyond their height.

Eucalyptus and Acacia trees are "quick fixes" that really are not worth the trouble.

MG

[Avocado]

....and Mulberry trees to feed silk worms from the time Verdala Palace housed a silk factory in one of its towers - fascinating place Buskett..

The fortifications and buildings of the Knights are grand but Buskett is a treasure! 

 

[officer]

Hi everyone,

I concur with MG that the eucalypts and acacias planted here are 'quick fixes'. During the 'let's make Malta greener' drive in the 70's, the powers that be opted for fast growing genuses without paying attention to the fact that even in these genuses there are some really lovely and non-destructive spp.  To name just a few, some beautiful Eucalyptus spp. include E.caesia, E.leucoxylon, E.torquata and many more. These are the world renowned Red Flowering gums used extensively in landscaping in Med climates and are not destructive at all. I know since I grow some of these spp. Over the last few years I have been successfully growing trees and shrubs that are compatible to local conditions - drought resistance, fast growth and lack of invasiveness being the main considerations. I am currently growing the following:

Delonix regia, Colvillea racemosa, Agonis flexuosa, Erythrina crista galli, Kunzea baxterii, Thespesia populnea, Thevetia peruviana, Parkinsonia aculeata, Caesalpina gillessii, C.pulcherrima, Cestrum nocturnum, Albizia julibrissin, Casuarina equisitifolia, Cassia spp. and many more. I have quite a few of the foregoing which are over and above my requirements so whoever is interested in acquiring any please phone me on 99271630 or email me on jayam@onvol.net.
R
 
 

[Avocado]

Look this is great news!

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=74729

 

[hibernia]

I have a young Tetraclinis articulata in my garden....does it need regular watering at thissstage?- its about 3 feet high.
Also, would like to know where I can obtaing Erythrina crista galli from, if still available?

Thanks

[MG]

Watering will be fine as long as the ground is not kept soggy which at this time of year will not be easy, admittedly.

MG

[officer]

Hello Hibernia,

I have a few Erythrina crista galli saplings left over. If interested you can contact me on email  - jayam@onvol.net

Regards
Officer