Sea Holly

Eryngium maritimum

Family Apiaceae(=Umbelliferae)

Maltese name Xewk ir-Ramel

Habitat Sand dune

Spiny herbaceous perennial. Leaves rigid, whitish with bluish tinge. Small white flowers surrounded by spiny bracts which are often purplish. Flowers in summer and autumn.

Grows only in sand. and hence is vulnerable. Rare

 

Sea Holly
Sea Holly on Ramla beach, Gozo