Malta Fungus or Generals Root

Photo: Arnold Sciberras
Scientific name: Cynomorium coccineum
Maltese names: Gherq sinjur, Gherq il-General
Occurrence on the Maltese islands: Very Rare
habitat: Coastal garigue, along halophytic host plants
found: currently locally only from Fungus Rock, near Dwejra, Western Gozo. though widespread in the Mediterranean, especially on islands and their sand-dunes.
other info: leafless, parasitic plant on halophytic shrub, such as Inula crithmoides. 'Malta fungus' name is misleading, as this is not a fungus at all. perhaps formerly endemic to Malta, but might have introduced elsewhere, due to the fact that it was thought, especially during the Knights of St.John, that this plant has magical and healing powers. at that time whoever was caught cutting this plant was sent to the galleys. Some time in history, a General must have put laws to protect this species. formerly this plant was also encountered in western cliffs of Malta island, but since then, only recorded from fungus rock.
see faunamelitensis.deviantart.com… to see Fungus Rock

hey you! I know what you're thinking! it ain't what you may think it is.... just an innocent little plant, that's all ,lol