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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 JULY 2022 11 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 821. Grand Statice The grand statice (M. mielħa) is one of those uncommon plants that flower in summer, which is good news for many insects that crave nectar and pollen. With its profusion of pink-lilac-white flowers, this beautiful salt-tolerant shrub (hence its Maltese name) thrives in coastal saltmarshes, today a rare habitat in Malta. The species was possibly native to Malta once, but if so it has been locally extinct for some time as it is absent from Maltese botanical literature. It occurs in many lands around the Mediterranean, including nearby Sicily – even on tiny Lampedusa. In recent decades the species has been locally grown in botanical gardens, from where it has apparently escaped and (re?)established itself in suitable habitat, such as Salina nature reserve. Foraging Booklet The importance of wild plants is regrettably often overlooked with a diverse array of plant life frequently dismissed as just weeds, or ħaxix ħażin. Malta has a range of wild edible flora that are excellent for use in the kitchen. Wild edible plants are healthy because they are full of vita- mins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which protect one's body from ageing and pollutants. Our booklet also illustrates how edible plants are beautiful in and of themselves, providing a sign of life. They play a fundamental role in wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Read more about this and other plants to forage by ordering our Foraging Guide on our website! Victor Falzon, Edwin Lanfranco www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 709: Order your copy of the Foraging Guide www.foemalta.org/foraging-guide Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Immaculate Conception feast in Hamrun 6 July Place: Around Hamrun A typical Maltese 'festa' lasts three days or longer. On any one of these evenings, you are bound to see hundreds of people in festive mood. Traditional and fast food stands vie with each other to sell their wares to the crowds of merry-makers. Typical products are Maltese type nougat and other sweet delicacies. Homes are looking their absolute best, often benefitting from a fresh coat of paint a few weeks before, in preparation for the feast. The evenings often end with spectacular ground and aerial fireworks displays in an explosion of colour, firecrackers and loud petards. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Valletta Food Tour Running until: 28 September Place: Around Valletta Built by the Knights of St. John in the mid-16th century on the strategically located island of Malta, Valletta quickly became a very important and cosmopolitan harbour city and a perfect place through which foreign culinary practices and new exciting ingredients would have been able to enter the island. This tour is full of fascinating historical anecdotes specifically related to food, providing a fascinating insight into the lesser- known details of Malta's history and culture. In addition, you will get to sample authentic traditional Maltese food and drinks in a number of stops during the tour. The guide will also provide tips on where and what to eat during your stay in Malta, as well as the best places to shop for authentic Maltese food. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A hamster has successfully returned to Earth after being launched into the stratosphere on a flying balloon. The spaceham reached a maximum altitude of 14 miles (23km) - and is in good health after being safely recovered from the sea off Japan's Miyako Island. Disgraced singer R Kelly is set to remain in jail for decades after being sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking. The court heard victim impact statements from seven women, presented anonymously as "Jane Does", who told how he used "fame and power" to entice his victims. A giant step for hamkind: The spaceham reached a maximum altitude of 23km and is in good health R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his fame to sexually abuse young fans