Rediscovery of a rare gall on Rosa sempervirens induced by Diplolepis eglanteriae (Hartig, 1840) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Malta

Diplolepis eglanteriae is a cynipid wasp inducing characteristic smooth pea-like galls on Rosa sempervirens. The gall was first reported as occurring in Malta in 1926 at Buskett. During the present study, the presence of this gall was confirmed and although it was not found again in Buskett it was found in three other localities on Malta. Three chalcid parasitoids were found associated with these galls, namely Eupelmus (Macroneura) muellneri Ruschka, 1921 (Eupelmidae), Stepanovia eurytomae (Nees, 1834) (Eulophidae) and Pteromalus sp. near bedeguaris (Pteromalidae); the latter two are here recorded for the first time from the Maltese Islands.peer-reviewe

Updates in the flora of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)

During the last 5 years, this author has been involved in the research and exploration of the flora of the Maltese islands in order to create and update the website http://www.maltawildplants.com. This paper consists of several important discoveries of new populations of very rare or endangered floral species for the Maltese Islands which were recorded during field surveys to collect material for this website. It also includes the species Calendula bicolor Rafin., which is a new record for the Maltese islands.peer-reviewe

A study of the genus Persicaria Miller (Polygonaceae) in the Maltese Islands

A detailed study on the taxonomy, distribution and populations of Persicaria spp. occurring on the Maltese Islands is carried out based on field surveys between 2008 and 2011. Four taxa are recognised in this study: two forms of Persicaria senegalensis, P. lanigera and P. salicifolia, of which only the latter is native. A taxonomical overview of these species and a detailed account of the distribution and size of the populations of each species (including new records) is given. Habitat preference of the species and their significance in Maltese wetland ecosystems are discussed.peer-reviewe

Updates in the flora of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)

During the last 5 years, this author has been involved in the research and exploration of the flora of the Maltese islands in order to create and update the website http://www.maltawildplants.com. This paper consists of several important discoveries of new populations of very rare or endangered floral species for the Maltese Islands which were recorded during field surveys to collect material for this website. It also includes the species Calendula hieolor Rafin., which is a new record for the Maltese islands.peer-reviewe

Zannichellia Major Boenn. ex Rchb. : a first record of a non-endemic species of Zannichellia L. (fam. Zannichelliaceae Dum.) from the Maltese Islands

The first record of Zannichellia major Boenn. ex Rchb. is reported from the Maltese islands. Detailed morphological comparison of this population with the endemic and frequent Zannichellia melitensis Brullo, Giusso & Lanfranco and other monoecious Zannichellia species is given. Distribution of this species is discussed.peer-reviewe

An assessment of the distribution of Iris Pseudopumila Tineo (fam. Iridaceae) in the Maltese Islands and comparison of its flower forms. (Supplement)

This supplement brings further information over the article published in the Central Mediterranean Naturalist Volume 4 (Issue 4), 2008, by the same author. A small correction must be made to the toponym in Marfa l/o Mellieha given as “Ghajn luta” in the 2008 paper. It should be corrected to “Ghajn Tuta”.peer-reviewe

A new record of Serapias Bergonii (fam. Orchidaceae) from the Maltese Islands

Serapias bergonii E.G.Camus is a very rare species for the Maltese islands and was assumed extinct from the island of Gozo due to lack of substantiated records. This paper gives details about a new record from Xlendi, a locality along the west coast of the island of Gozo (Maltese Islands).peer-reviewe

Rediscovery and present distribution of Valantia Hispida L. (fam. Rubiaceae) in the Maltese islands

Valantia hispida L. is an indigenous species presumed extinct from the Maltese islands due to lack of any substantiated records for more than 130 years. The rediscovery of this species is reported. An account of the population found in the South East area of the island of Gozo is given. Morphological differences between V. hispida L. and the frequent V. muralis L. are illustrated. The taxon V. muralis var. hirsuta reported from Malta in old literature is discussed.peer-reviewe

First occurences of Lemna Minuta Kunth (fam. Lemnaceae) in the Maltese Islands

The occurrence of Lemna minuta Kunth in the Maltese Islands is reported for the first time, from two sites in Malta and one site in Gozo. Notes on its historical and current distribution in Europe, its invasive properties and its habitat preferences in Malta are given. Also included are the distinguishing morphological features from the closely related Lemna minor L., another frequent alien species of ponds and valleys in the Maltese islands.peer-reviewe

A preliminary survey and taxonomy of wild roses (Rosa Spp.) occurring on the Maltese Islands

Rosa spp. are neglected and understudied for the Maltese flora, where only three species have been reported. R. sempervirens L. is the only native rose established in at least 12 locations in Malta. R. gallica L. s. l. (including hybrids) and R. canina L. s. l. are only mentioned in historical literature with doubtful occurrences. However, there are several other roses occurring naturally in Malta, which are probably not studied due to the difficulties in identification. A study carried out between May and July 2016 has resulted in the examination of 27 populations of wild or naturally occurring roses, of which twelve species, hybrids or cultivars have been recorded, eight of which are new for the Maltese flora. In addition, new locations or rediscoveries of R. canina and R. gallica s. l. have been found and, hence, are still extant in the Maltese Islands.peer-reviewe