Census and mapping of Tetraclinis articulata across the main island of Malta

Abstract

Tetraclinis articulata, Malta’s national tree, is endemic to the Mediterranean’s western and central area, with a presence in other countries besides Malta, notably Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. This palaeo-relict conifer is adapted to tolerate drought and fires, with a geographical distribution in semiarid climatic regimes. Furthermore, it can also grow in shallow soils, such as those in garrigue biotopes growing closer to the ground, and whilst preferring calcareous soils, it can grow in different soil regimens. Alternatively, this species can also grow in deeper soils, in matorral-type woodlands, where this species itself comprises the main tree cover. In Malta this species serves as strong evidence of a land bridge connection with the African landmass, most likely with the Maghreb prior to the Zanclean flood in the Messinian. The tree is thus considered as a paleo-relict. With its restricted native distribution and small population, it has been classified as Endangered within Europe. This dissertation maps the distribution of non-planted Tetraclinis articulata throughout mainland Malta along with a census of the population, notably assessing if the trees are able to produce cones. Conservation measures within the Maltese context are also recommended through this dissertation in order to strengthen the local population. The largest population could be found at Wied il-Miżieb, Mellieħa. The final tree counts in the localities in which this species occurred are 489 in Mellieħa (found in three different areas at Wied ilMiżieb, Ġnien Ingraw and Ras il-Griebeġ), 26 in Mġarr (at iċ-Ċagħaq), 10 in Qrendi (at il-Maqluba) and 2 at Mosta (at Wied il-Għasel).