The Maltese national tree

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl, 1791) is a North African conifer from the Cypress family. It is also the national tree of Malta, and is known locally as 'is-siġra tal-għargħar'. Most specimens encountered in the wild grow on clay slopes and appear to thrive in quite arid habitats. The picture above shows a mature specimen from the Maqluba depression at Qrendi, while below a young individual from Għajn Tuffieħa bay can be seen.