A study on the habitat and morphometry of Limonium melitense, Limonium virgatum and Limonium zeraphae on the Maltese islands

Abstract

Three of the Limonium species present in the Maltese Islands are not easy to recognise from each other due to them being very similar to each other in their morphology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of the way in which the plant species are currently being recognised from each other. Through this study, one can also see what are the environmental conditions that affect Limonium spp. in its growth and location. Over 400 species of Limonium had morphological features measured, from 16 sites in Malta, Comino and Gozo. All measurements and features studied were then put on a scale and then one could see whether any groups could be made out from the scale, and if Limonium spp. could be identified as three separate species. The results of this study then showed that the features measured were important to identify Limonium spp. from each other, however these may not be enough. It also showed that Limonium spp. grows in certain geographical regions under particular environmental conditions; for example it needs to be on Coralline or Globigerina Limestone, and in areas close to the sea.