Native and historically documented drought-tolerant plant species in Malta : their potential for sustainable use in modern climate conditions

Abstract

The Maltese archipelago (Fig 1), comprising of three main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, is situated in the central Mediterranean and represents a unique ecological and geographical setting shaped by millennia of human-environment interactions (Gambin, 2020). Due to their location and limited freshwater resources, these islands have historically faced significant environmental challenges, especially regarding land use (Gambin et al., 2016). Understanding the long-term dynamics of plant communities and climate adaptations in this region is critical for framing sustainable practices under current and projected climate conditions. The islands' small size (316km2) and high population density (1704.39 km2; see World Population Review, 2025) have exerted intense pressure on land and natural resources (Schembri, 1993). Over the centuries, this pressure led to deforestation, soil degradation, and the introduction of exotic species, drastically altering native vegetation patterns (MEPA, 2009). Nevertheless, remnants of native flora and traditional knowledge on plant cultivation persist, offering valuable insight into potential drought-tolerant species that could support sustainable agricultural practices today (Attard et al., 2024).