MaltaWildPlants.com by Stephen Mifsud
 
     
   19 Mar 2024      ()
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Scientific Publications by Stephen Mifsud
   

This page contains the publications written by Stephen Mifsud (author of MaltaWildPlants.com) related with his botanical and mycological research on the Maltese Islands. Most publications are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals but some communications have been published either online (on this dedicated page) or in media such as online news portals, all serving as a communication to the scientific community, students and general public. These online scientific communications allows large number of images, tables, video and other forms of digital data that are not possible on standards articles as well offer the advantages of fast to publish, reaching a much broader spectrum of e-readers, indexed in search engines, easy to access through internet, free of charge, easy to update and finally, users can easily send their feedback and criticism to the author. On the other hand, peer-reviewed publications are vetted by a group of scientists prior publication, hence their content is more scientifically valid and approved, accomplished and written in an academic method. However the process is lengthy and can take a year.

This page is hence divided into two main categories: 1) Papers published in scientific journals and 2) the online and media articles including few published exclusively here. Citations and abstracts are given for referencing. When possible, the DOI link code is given which directs to the source of the paper. Due to copyright restrictions several papers cannot be made available to the public domain but can purchased from the corresponding journal. Hope that this page will meet its goal of communicating important new scientific research that has been published by the author of this website and which can be of use to the scientist, student and the general public.

Page last modified on:   25 Sep 2021 (v: 3.1b)


TABLE OF PUBLISHED LITERATURE
Online & Media Articles of Scientific Value
Link Title / Authors / Date Link Title / Authors / Date
W01 First record in Malta of Beauveria bassiana – a fungus parasitic on insects
Stephen Mifsud (16 October 2020)
W02 Orchid named after Gozo
Stephen Mifsud (28 May 2019)
W03 The Scaley-stalked puffball – a new mushroom for the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (20 Sep 2017)
W04 Maltese pyramidal orchid - Endemic plant brought back to recognition within scientific community
Stephen Mifsud (2 March 2017)
W05 The sand crocuses of Malta – a puzzle solved
Stephen Mifsud (29 Feb 2016)
W06 Maltese bug-like orchid found
Stephen Mifsud (24 July 2015)
W07 New Orchid to science named after Gozo
Stephen Mifsud (18 May 2019)
W08 A species of rose saved from local extinction at Wied il-Lunzjata
Stephen Mifsud (15 October 2016)
W09 A Floristic Survey on the Gozitan Islets of Taċ-Ċawla and Tal-Ħalfa in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
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Scientific Articles in peer-reviewed journals or books
Link Title / Authors / Date Link Title / Authors / Date
P01 Cortinarius ayanamii (Fungi, Cortinariaceae). The first record of a Cortinarius species for the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud & David Mifsud (Sep 2021)
P02 WOODIV, a database of occurrences, functional traits, and phylogenetic data for all Euro-Mediterranean trees
Anne-Christine Monnet, Kévin Cilleros, Frédéric Médail, Marwan Cheikh Albassatneh, Juan Arroyo, Gianluigi Bacchetta, Francesca Bagnoli, Zoltán Barina, Manuel Cartereau, Nicolas Casajus, Panayotis Dimopoulos, Gianniantonio Domina, Aggeliki Doxa1, Marcial Escudero, Bruno Fady, Arndt Hampe, Vlado Matevski, Stephen Misfud, Toni Nikolic, Daniel Pavon, Anne Roig, Estefania Santos Barea, Ilaria Spanu, Arne Strid, Giovanni Giuseppe Vendramin & Agathe Leriche (Mar 2021)
P03 A complex genetic structure of Tetraclinis articulata (Cupressaceae) in the western Mediterranean
Juan Luis García-Castaño, Francisco Balao, María Teresa Lorenzo, Errol Véla, Seghir Hadjadj-Aoul, Stephen Mifsud and Anass Terrab (Mar 2021)
P04 Xylaria melitensis (Xylariaceae), a new penzigioid species from the Maltese Islands
Jacques Fournier, Christian Lechat, Stephen Mifsud, Carmel Sammut (Apr 2021)
P05 Rediscovery and taxonomic analysis of Romulea melitensis (Iridaceae) from the Maltese islands
Stephen Mifsud (May 2021)
P06 Morphology of the invasive Carpobrotus (Aizoaceae) in Europe: Malta as a case study
Stephen Mifsud (Mar 2021)
P07 An updated checklist of the myxomycetes in the Maltese islands – An overview of an ongoing research
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2020)
P08 Revision of the Lactuca species (Asteraceae) occurring in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud and Owen Mifsud (Sep 2020)
P09 Assessment of Linaria pseudolaxiflora for the IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud, Gianniantonio Domina, D. Gargano and C. Montagnini (Oct 2019)
P10 Phaeoclavulina decurrens (Gomphales, Basidiomycetes) – the first record for a coral fungus for the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2019)
P11 New records, taxonomic updates, and new locations for some alien species occurring in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2019)
P12 Ophrys ×gaulosana (Orchidaceae) - a new hybrid from Gozo (Maltese Islands)
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2018)
P13 Ophrys melitensis – Origin and systematics
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
P14 The Ophrys lutea group [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
P15 The Ophrys iricolor group [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
P16 Anacamptis pyramidalis senso lato [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
P17 Assessment of Romulea variicolor for the IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
P18 Assessment of Romulea rollii for the IUCN RedList
Jean-Marc Tison, James Molina, Henry Michaud, Stephen Mifsud, A. Delage and Leon Nery (Jun 2018)
P19 Assessment of Ophrys melitensis for the IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
P20 Assessment of Desmazeria pignatti for the IUCN RedList
Salvatore Orsenigo, Lorenzo Peruzzi, Angelo Troia & Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
P21 Contribution to the flora of the Maltese Islands: Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce and Euphorbia exigua s. l. (Euphorbiaceae)
Stephen Mifsud (Apr 2018)
P22 A revision of Allium subsect. Allium (Amaryllidaceae) for the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud & Owen Mifsud (Apr 2018)
P23 Assessment of Ophrys fuciflora subsp. lacaitae for IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud, Angelo Troia (Sep 2017)
P24 Assessment of Atriplex lanfrancoi for IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud, Edwin Lanfranco, Darrin Stevens (Sep 2017)
P25 Assessment of Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana for IUCN RedList
Stephen Mifsud (Sep 2017)
P26 Additions of mycobiota and myxomycetes of the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2017)
P27 Contribution to the alien flora of the Maltese Islands: New records, observations on invasive species and taxonomic updates
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2017)
P28 Contribution to the Mycobiota and Myxogastria of the Maltese Islands: Part 1 (2014-2016)
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2017)
P29 A Preliminary Survey and Taxonomy of Wild Roses (Rosa Spp.) occurring on the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Jan-2017)
P30 An Updated Flora of Selmunett (St. Pauls Island) including Mosses and Lichens
Stephen Mifsud, Edwin Lanfranco, Jennifer Fiorentino and Stephan D. Mifsud (Feb-2016)
P31 Synopsis of Romulea (Iridaceae) of the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2016)
P32 Rediscovery of a rare gall on Rosa sempervirens induced by Diplolepis eglanteriae (Hartig, 1840) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Malta
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2016)
P33 Diversification of Portulaca oleracea L. complex in the Italian peninsula and adjacent islands
Avinoam Danin, Fabrizio Buldrini, Marta Bandini Mazzanti, Giovanna Bosi, Maria Carmela Caria, David Dandria, Edwin Lanfranco, Stephen Mifsud and Simonetta Bagella (Jun 2016)
P34 Current status of Asplenium sagittatum (Aspleniaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud, Mark Napier, Fenech Sean and Louis F. Cassar (May 2016)
P35 Taxonomic notes on Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana (Orchidaceae), a good endemic orchid from Malta
Stephen Mifsud (Jan-2016)
P36 Sedum album subsp. rupi-melitense (Crassulaceae), a new vegetatively reproducing subspecies from Malta (Maltese Islands, Central Mediterranean)
Stephen Mifsud, Ray Stephenson, Joachim Thiede (Sep 2015)
P37 A review of Romulea Maratti (Iridaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Jul 2015)
P38 Two hybrid orchids described from Malta: Ophrys × tumentia nothosubsp. tumentia and Ophrys x tumentia nothosubsp. sancti-martinii
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2014)
P39 Promotion of the Maltese Ophrys bombyliflora forma parviflora to a variety
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2014)
P40 Chromosome number of Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo (Elatinaceae) and its distribution on the Maltese Islands
Anna Kalinka, Stephen Mifsud, Agnieska Popiela, Magdalena Achremi (2014)
P41 A study of the genus Persicaria Miller (Polygonaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (2014)
P42 Bromus cathatrticus Vahl (Fam. Poaceae), A new record for the Maltese Islands
Timothy J. Tabone, Alex Casha & Stephen Mifsud (2014)
P43 Marasmius corbariensis (Roum.) Singer (Family Marasmiaceae Roze Ex Kuhner 1980) – A new fungal species for Malta
Stephen Mifsud (2014)
P44 Recent records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Malta
David Dandria, Alfred Gatt Floridia & Stephen Mifsud (2014)
P45 Polypodium vulgare L. subsp. melitense new subspecies from Gozo, Maltese Islands (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae Bercht. & J. Presl.)
Adalberto Peroni, Gabriele Peroni & Stephen Mifsud (2013)
P46 Preliminary observations from long-term studies of Gladiolus l. (Iridaceae) for the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud and Anthony P. Hamilton (Aug 2013)
P47 Althenia orientalis (Tzvelev) Garcia-Mur. & Talavera (Zanichelliaceae Dum.): An addition to the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean)
Alex Casha & Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
P48 Distribution of some rare or endemic chasmophytic and rupestral species growing along the coastal cliffs of the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
P49 Recent observations on the Ophrys of Malta and Gozo: addendum
Stephen Mifsud & Leslie Lewis (May 2013)
P50 Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau (Cistaceae): New to the flora of Malta and considerations on Fumana (Dunal) Spach from the Maltese Flora
Stephen Mifsud (May 2012)
P51 Recent observations on Ophrys species and hybrids of the Maltese archipelago
Stephen Mifsud & Leslie Lewis (Nov 2011)
P52 New records of the genus Pachygrapsus (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Central Mediterranean sea with a review of its Mediterranean zoogeography
Fabio Crocetta, S. Mifsud, P. Paolini, J. Piscopo & P. J. Schembri (Apr 2011)
P53 A new record of Serapias bergonii [Fam. Orchidaceae] from the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (2010)
P54 Two new alien grasses from sand dunes Of Ghadira bay in Malta
Stephen Mifsud & Alex Casha (2010)
P55 First occurences of Lemna minuta [Fam. Lemnaceae] in the Maltese islands
Stephen Mifsud (2010)
P56 Records of Narcissus elegans [Fam. Amaryillidaceae] and notes on the wild Narcissus in the Maltese islands
Stephen Mifsud & Emanuel Caruana (2010)
P57 A new form of Ophrys bombyliflora link described from Malta
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
P58 Rediscovery and present distribution of Valantia hispida L. (Fam. Rubiaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
P59 Update of the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean) including very rare species or species thought to be extinct from mainland Malta or its islands
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
P60 Zannichellia major Boenn. ex Rchb. - a first record of a non-endemic species of Zannichellia l. (Fam. Zannichelliaceae Dum.) from the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
P61 Four new records for the flora of the Maltese Islands - Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) P.Beauv. (Fam. Poaceae), Amaranthus muricatus (Gillies Ex Moq.) Hieron. (Fam. Amaranthaceae), Fumaria reuteri Boiss.(Fam. Fumariaceae) and Spirodela oligorrhiza(Kurtz) Hegelm. (Fam. Lemnaceae)
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
P62 An assessment on the distribution of Iris pseudopumila Tineo [Fam. Iridaceae] in the Maltese Islands and comparison of its two flower forms
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
P63 Three new species from the genus Ophrys, section Pseudophrys [Fam: Orchidaceae] on the Maltese Islands
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
P64 Updates in the Flora of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)
Stephen Mifsud (2007)





Scientific Articles in peer-reviewed journals or books


Paper 01 Updates in the Flora of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2007)
Abstract Discovery of new populations in Malta of the very rare Ornithogalum divergens, Asparagus stipularis, Muscari commutatum, Muscari neglectum, Vicia bithynica, Cardaria draba and Abutilion theophrasti, rediscovery of Trifolium pratense (last report of this species 80 years ago) and a new species from Malta - Calendula bicolor
Keywords Muscari commutatum / Muscari neglectum / Calendula bicolor / Linaria pseudolaxiflora / Asparagus stipularis / Ornithogalum divergens / Vicia bithynica / Cardaria draba / Abutilion theophrasti / Trifolium pratense / rediscovery / rare species / Malta / Gozo / flora
Citation Mifsud, S. (2007): Updates in the Flora of the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean).   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 4(3): 171-179 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 02 Three new species from the genus Ophrys, section Pseudophrys [Fam: Orchidaceae] on the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
Abstract This article deals with the first substantiated records from the Maltese islands of Ophrys lupercalis J. Devillers-Terschuren & P. Devillers and Ophrys lojaconoi P. Delforge, both forming part of the Ophrys fusca group, and of Ophrys phryganae J. Devillers-Terschuren & P. Devillers, belonging to the Ophrys lutea group. Identification is based on isometric morphological analysis, following the Delforge taxonomical system. Treatment of these taxa according to another taxonomical system by Baumann, Kunkele and Lorenz is also discussed.
Keywords Ophrys lojaconoi / Ophrys lupercalis / Ophrys phryganae / Ophrys fusca group / Ophrys lutea group / Ophrys / Orchidaceaea / Malta
Citation Mifsud, S. (2008): Three new species from the genus Ophrys, section Pseudophrys [Fam: Orchidaceae] on the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 4(4): 243-252 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 03 An assessment on the distribution of Iris pseudopumila Tineo [Fam. Iridaceae] in the Maltese Islands and comparison of its two flower forms
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
Abstract The distribution of Iris pseudopumila Tineo in the Maltese islands is given, including information on four new populations. A comparison study between three populations of the yellow-flower form, and between the violet and yellow forms are provided, the latter showing marked morphological differences between the two colour forms in the Maltese islands.
Keywords Iris pseudopumila / Iridaceae / distribution / colour forms / Malta.
Citation Mifsud, S. (2008): An assessment on the distribution of Iris pseudopumila Tineo [Fam. Iridaceae] in the Maltese Islands and comparison of its two flower forms.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 4(4): 253-262 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 04 Four new records for the flora of the Maltese Islands - Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) P.Beauv. (Fam. Poaceae), Amaranthus muricatus (Gillies Ex Moq.) Hieron. (Fam. Amaranthaceae), Fumaria reuteri Boiss.(Fam. Fumariaceae) and Spirodela oligorrhiza(Kurtz) Hegelm. (Fam. Lemnaceae)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2008)
Abstract Four plant species are reported as new to the flora of the Maltese islands: Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) P.Beauv. (Family Poaceae), Amaranthus muricatus (Gillies ex Moq.) Hieron. (Family Amaranthaceae), Fumaria reuteri Boiss. (Family Fumariaceae) and Spirodela oligorrhiza (Kurtz) Hegelm. (Family Lemnaceae). The article gives worldwide distribution, plant characteristics and information on the location and habitat that they were found in. The article is complemented by several illustrations
Keywords Dactyloctenium aegyptium / Amaranthus muricatus / Fumaria reuteri / Spirodela oligorrhiza / new records / Malta / flora
Citation Mifsud, S. (2008): Four new records for the flora of the Maltese Islands - Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) P.Beauv. (Fam. Poaceae), Amaranthus muricatus (Gillies Ex Moq.) Hieron. (Fam. Amaranthaceae), Fumaria reuteri Boiss.(Fam. Fumariaceae) and Spirodela oligorrhiza(Kurtz) Hegelm. (Fam. Lemnaceae).   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 4(4): 263-273 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 05 Zannichellia major Boenn. ex Rchb. - a first record of a non-endemic species of Zannichellia l. (Fam. Zannichelliaceae Dum.) from the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
Abstract 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.
Keywords Zannichellia major / Zannichellia palustris / Zannichellia melitensis / Maltese islands, Wetlands / Aquatic flora / Mediterranean region / Malta
Citation Mifsud, S. (2009): Zannichellia major Boenn. ex Rchb. - a first record of a non-endemic species of Zannichellia l. (Fam. Zannichelliaceae Dum.) from the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(1): 1-6 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 06 Update of the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean) including very rare species or species thought to be extinct from mainland Malta or its islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
Abstract Rediscovery of Lotus halophilus from mainland Malta (presumed to be found only in the island of Comino), Xanthium spinosum (presumed extinct), first record of Myrtus commuis from the island of Gozo and the very rare plant Asplenium trcihomanes are reported from the Maltese Islands. An account about the each population and an updated distribution of the species in Malta is given.
Keywords Lotus halophilus / Myrtus communis / Xanthium spinosum / Asplenium trichomanes / rare species / extinct / rediscovery / Malta / flora
Citation Mifsud, S. (2009): Update of the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean) including very rare species or species thought to be extinct from mainland Malta or its islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(1): 7-16 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 07 Rediscovery and present distribution of Valantia hispida L. (Fam. Rubiaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
Abstract 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.
Keywords Valantia hispida / extinct / rediscovery / Mediterranean, Malta / Gozo / flora
Citation Mifsud, S. (2009): Rediscovery and present distribution of Valantia hispida L. (Fam. Rubiaceae) in the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(1): 17-23. (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 08 A new form of Ophrys bombyliflora link described from Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2009)
Abstract A new form, Ophrys bombyliflora Link forma parviflora S. Mifsud is described for plants with significantly smaller lips from the typical form of O. bombyliflora and with a bright, contrasting speculum. These plants were observed as homogenous populations in 2 different sites in Malta, isolated from populations of the locally common Ophrys bombyliflora Link.
Keywords Orchidaceae / Ophrys bombyliflora forma parviflora / Ophrys / taxonomy / Malta / new taxon
Citation Mifsud, S. (2009): A new form of Ophrys bombyliflora link described from Malta.   Journal of European Orchids, 41(3/4): 611-622 (Germany) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 09 Records of Narcissus elegans [Fam. Amaryillidaceae] and notes on the wild Narcissus in the Maltese islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & Emanuel Caruana (2010)
Abstract Substantiated records of Narcissus elegans are reported from Malta and for the first time in Gozo. Habitat and ecological analysis of the three different populations and a distribution map is given. Morphological characters between the populations are compared between each other and the described taxa. Also discussed and illustrated are the intermediate range of specimens found in Malta between N. serotinus, N. elegans and N. tazetta
Keywords Narcissus elegans / Narcissus serotinus / Narcissus tazetta / new records / Narcissus intermediates / Malta / Gozo
Citation Mifsud, S. & Caruana, E. (2010): Records of Narcissus elegans [Fam. Amaryillidaceae] and notes on the wild Narcissus in the Maltese islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(2): 19-29 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 10 First occurences of Lemna minuta [Fam. Lemnaceae] in the Maltese islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2010)
Abstract The existence of Lemna minuta Kunth is confirmed from two sites in mainland Malta and one in the island of Gozo and reported for the first time in the Maltese islands. 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.
Keywords Lemna minuta / valleys / watercourses / alien species / invasive species / flora of Malta
Citation Mifsud, S. (2010): First occurences of Lemna minuta [Fam. Lemnaceae] in the Maltese islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(2): 1-4 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 11 Two new alien grasses from sand dunes Of Ghadira bay in Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & Alex Casha (2010)
Abstract Cenchrus echinatus L., a new species for the Maltese Islands, and Dactyloctenium aegyptium, only recorded from the island of Gozo, has been found at the remnant sand dunes of l-G?adira bay, a popular sandy bay located in Mellieha situated in the North of mainland Malta. Their invasive reputation and their presumed introduction routes to our islands are discussed.
Keywords Cenchrus echinatus / Dactyloctenium aegyptium / sand dunes / coasts / alien species / invasive species / flora of Malta
Citation Mifsud, S. & Casha, A. (2010): Two new alien grasses from sand dunes Of Ghadira bay in Malta.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(2): 6-9 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 12 A new record of Serapias bergonii [Fam. Orchidaceae] from the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2010)
Abstract 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 on the West coast of the island of Gozo.
Keywords Serapias bergonii / Serapias vomeracea subsp. laxiflora / Orchidaceae / Mediterranean region / Malta / Gozo
Citation Mifsud, S. (2010): A new record of Serapias bergonii [Fam. Orchidaceae] from the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(2): 11-17 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 13 New records of the genus Pachygrapsus (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Central Mediterranean sea with a review of its Mediterranean zoogeography
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Fabio Crocetta, S. Mifsud, P. Paolini, J. Piscopo & P. J. Schembri (Apr 2011)
Abstract The occurrence of Pachygrapsus maurus and Pachygrapsus transversus is reported from the Maltese Islands for the first time on the basis of one specimen of P. maurus collected in 1990 and numerous recent specimens, and the distribution of the two species is mapped. The controversial presence of P. maurus in Italy is confirmed and two new sites for this species are reported, including the first for the mainland of Italy. The examination of the historical specimen of P. maurus from the Genova area revealed a misidentification of P. transversus; this record could be a result of ship-mediated transport. First notes on the habitat of P. maurus in the central Mediterranean Sea are given. Updated maps of the distribution of P. maurus and P. transversus in the Mediterranean are provided and the zoogeography of these species is revisited.
Keywords Pachygrapsus marmoratus / Pachygrapsus maurus / Pachygrapsus transversus / Zoogeography / Mediterranean Sea.
Citation F. Crocetta, S. Mifsud, P. Paolini, J. Piscopo and P. J. Schembri (Apr 2011): New records of the genus Pachygrapsus (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Central Mediterranean sea with a review of its Mediterranean zoogeography.   Mediterranean Marine Science, (12)1: 75-93 DOI: doi.org/10.12681/mms.54    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 14 Recent observations on Ophrys species and hybrids of the Maltese archipelago
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & Leslie Lewis (Nov 2011)
Abstract Detailed field studies carried out between late December 2007 and early April 2011 show that the Ophrys iricolor s.l. group on Malta comprises two morphologically distinct forms which flower at different times in two main waves, although some intermediates also occur. The first form flowers from early December to late January and has a medium sized labellum with an underlip which is entirely green or is stained pale red without a clear–cut yellowish–green border. The second form flowers from late February to early April and has a longer labellum with an underlip which is normally stained red with a clear–cut yellowish–green border. It is concluded that the first form is attributable to O. mesaritica, consistent with the existing records of this species on the Maltese archipelago, whereas the second form is attributable to O. vallesiana. It is also concluded that some intermediate plants, especially those flowering in mid–February between the two main flowering waves, are probably O. mesaritica introgressed/hybridised with O. vallesiana (that is O. mesaritica × O. vallesiana).


Field studies of Ophrys caesiella at various locations on Malta show that this species is more variable than was originally described by DELFORGE (2000) and support opinions that O. caesiella and O. gazella are the same species. In addition, an Ophrys similar to O. caesiella but possessing prominent basal ridges and a geniculated labellum, initially identified as O. bilunulata × O. mesaritica by DELFORGE (1993) and subsequently incorrectly re–identified as O. pectus (DEVILLERS & DEVILLERS–TERSCHUREN 2000a), has been refound at its original location as well as elsewhere. It is concluded that it is the result of hybridization and/or introgression of O. caesiella with/by O. vallesiana (that is O. caesiella × O. vallesiana). However, the possibility cannot be excluded that the O. iricolor s.l. parent of some plants is instead O. mesaritica, or that some plants are complex hybrids of O. caesiella, O. vallesiana and O. mesaritica. Details of four Ophrys taxa (namely O. lojaconoi, O. lupercalis, O. phryganae and O. bombyliflora forma parviflora) recorded on the Maltese archipelago since the publication of a comprehensive list of Maltese orchids by BARTOLO et al. (2001) are also given, as well as new locations for some of the rarer previously listed species.
Keywords Orchidaceae; Ophrys caesiella, Ophrys gazella, Ophrys mesaritica, Ophrys pectus, Ophrys vallesiana, Ophrys caesiella × Ophrys vallesiana, Ophrys mesaritica × Ophrys vallesiana. Malta, Gozo.
Citation Mifsud, S. & Lewis, L. (Nov 2011): Recent observations on Ophrys species and hybrids of the Maltese archipelago.   Journal Europäischer Orchideen, 43(3): 609-650 (Germany) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 15 Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau (Cistaceae): New to the flora of Malta and considerations on Fumana (Dunal) Spach from the Maltese Flora
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (May 2012)
Abstract Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau (Cistaceae): nuova per la Flora di Malta, e considerazioni su Fumana (Dunal) Spach per la Flora di Malta — Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau è riconosciuta per la Flora di Malta. Vengono fornite informazioni sulla tassonomia di F. laevis in relazione alle altre tre specie del genere presenti nella fl ora di Malta. Viene inoltre discussa la sua distribuzione locale e generale, la sua ecologia e condizione attuale.
Keywords Cistaceae, Fumana, Fumana laevis, Flora, Maltese Islands
Citation Mifsud, S. (May 2012): Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau (Cistaceae): New to the flora of Malta and considerations on Fumana (Dunal) Spach from the Maltese Flora.   Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, 67(1): 101-107. (USA) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 16 Recent observations on the Ophrys of Malta and Gozo: addendum
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & Leslie Lewis (May 2013)
Abstract As previously reported by the present authors (MIFSUD & LEWIS 2011), field studies at various locations on Malta indicate that Ophrys caesiella and O. gazella, and O. africana are the same species. The name O. caesiella is now chosen for this combined species. LOWE (2011) similarly concluded that O. caesiella, O. gazella and O. africana were synonyms but also further concluded that O. subfusca (Rchb. f.) Hausskn. is an earlier synonym for these taxa. However, in the opinion of the present authors, the assumptions on which Lowe's further conclusion is based cannot be validated and (if legitimate) O. subfusca should therefore continue to be considered a member of the O. lutea complex. New sites for O. caesiella on Malta and Gozo are also reported. DELFORGE (2012) concluded that the early-flowering form of O. iricolor s.l. on Malta was morphologically different from O. mesaritica on Crete and described it under the new name O. hospitalis. This is now renamed Ophrys iricolor subsp. hospitalis. Reference is also made to the legal protection of wild orchids on Malta.
Keywords Orchidaceae, Ophrys africana, Ophrys caesiella, Ophrys gazella, Ophrys hospitalis, Ophrys iricolor subsp. hospitalis, Ophrys lutea var. subfusca, Ophrys subfusca; legal protection of wild orchids.
Citation Mifsud, S. & Lewis, L. (May 2013): Recent observations on the Ophrys of Malta and Gozo: addendum .   Journal Europäischer Orchideen, 45(1): 105-120 (Germany) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 17 Distribution of some rare or endemic chasmophytic and rupestral species growing along the coastal cliffs of the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
Abstract This paper gives a detailed account of the distribution of endemic or rare species that comprise part of the chasmophytic and rupestral vegetative community lining the Maltese coastal cliffs. The species discussed in this paper are the following: Palaeocyanus crassifolius (Bertoloni) Dostál; Cremnophyton lanfrancoi Brullo and Pavone; Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone and Ronsisvalle; Linaria pseudolaxiflora Lojacono; Asparagus horridus L. and Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. arvense (Guss.) Arcang. The first four are species found in article 17 of the Maltese habitats and species, listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive by the European Commission. Asparagus horridus and Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. arvense are recent additions to the flora of Malta, and their distribution is given in this account. Discussion on the distribution and observations on the preferred habitat are given for each species supplemented by recommendations for the red data book.
Keywords Article 17, coastal cliffs, endemic, Malta, Maltese flora, rupestral species
Citation Mifsud, S. (Aug 2013): Distribution of some rare or endemic chasmophytic and rupestral species growing along the coastal cliffs of the Maltese Islands .   Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, 68(1): 35-50 (USA) DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2013.807451    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 18 Althenia orientalis (Tzvelev) Garcia-Mur. & Talavera (Zanichelliaceae Dum.): An addition to the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Alex Casha & Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
Abstract Althenia orientalis (Tzvelev) García-Mur. & Talavera has been recorded from brackish to saline waters at the Ghadira Nature Reserve in Mellieha, Malta, and constitutes a new species for the Maltese flora. Details on the taxonomy of the species and the habitat of the single population are conveyed, while the local morphology and introduction in Malta of this hydrophyte are further discussed
Keywords Keywords, Zannichelliaceae, Althenia, halophyte, hydrophyte, Mediterranean flora, Malta
Citation Casha, A. & Mifsud, S. (Aug 2013): Althenia orientalis (Tzvelev) Garcia-Mur. & Talavera (Zanichelliaceae Dum.): An addition to the Maltese Flora (Central Mediterranean) .   Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, 68(1) 57-61 (USA) DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2013.807452    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 19 Preliminary observations from long-term studies of Gladiolus l. (Iridaceae) for the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud and Anthony P. Hamilton (Aug 2013)
Abstract Field studies in 28 random sites in Malta and Gozo were carried out between 2010 and 2012 to investigate Gladiolus species on the Maltese islands. The results obtained were significantly very different from the general picture of Gladiolus spp. reported for several decades for the Maltese islands, which inferred that the populations were mainly of G. italicus, with unsubstantiated records of G. byzantinus (a garden cultivar) and G. dubius (a doubtful and now unrecognized species). The results from these studies clearly show the abundant presence of G. communis, but the rather rare G. italicus, the latter not being observed in more than half the sites that have been surveyed. This paper deals with an historical account of Gladiolus spp. in Malta, an historical account and the origins of G. italicus, a taxonomic distinction between the two species confirmed from Malta and a discussion based on their seeds and origins.
Keywords Iridaceae,Gladiolus, flora, Maltese Islands
Citation Mifsud, S. & Hamilton, P. (Aug 2013): Preliminary observations from long-term studies of Gladiolus l. (Iridaceae) for the Maltese Islands.   Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, 68(1) 51-56 (USA). DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2013.779817    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 20 Polypodium vulgare L. subsp. melitense new subspecies from Gozo, Maltese Islands (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae Bercht. & J. Presl.)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Adalberto Peroni, Gabriele Peroni & Stephen Mifsud (2013)
Abstract Polypodium vulgare L. subsp. melitense subsp. nov. from the island of Gozo (Malta) is described. Polypodium vulgare s.l. is being recorded for the first time from Malta. Comparison of the new subspecies with other Polypodium taxa present in continental Europe and the Mediterranean area is outlined. Pteridophyta of the Maltese Islands are finally listed
Keywords Pteridophyta, Polypodiaceae, Polypodium vulgare new subspecies, Gozo, Malta.
Citation Peroni, A., Peroni, G. and Mifsud, S. (2013): Polypodium vulgare L. subsp. melitense new subspecies from Gozo, Maltese Islands (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae Bercht. & J. Presl.) .   Botanica Complutensis, 37: 41-46. (Spain) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 21 Recent records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
David Dandria, Alfred Gatt Floridia & Stephen Mifsud (2014)
Abstract Two spider species are recorded in Malta, one for the first time (Zora sp. ?spinimana, Fam. Zoridae) and one for the second time (Aphantaulax cincta, Fam. Gnaphosidae). Observational data and other information about the species together with photographs are provided.
Keywords "Zora spinimana", "Aphantaulax cincta", Malta, Araneae
Citation Dandria, D., Gatt Floridia, A. & Mifsud, S. (2014): Recent records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Malta.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(3 & 4): 6-8 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 22 Marasmius corbariensis (Roum.) Singer (Family Marasmiaceae Roze Ex Kuhner 1980) – A new fungal species for Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2014)
Abstract A population of Marasmius corbariensis (Roum.) Singer was found in an olive grove at Xewkija, Gozo. Being a new agaric for the Maltese islands, details on this population and habitat is given in this communication.
Keywords Marasmius corbariensis, Agaricales, Marasmiaceae, fungi, Malta, new record
Citation Mifsud, S. (2014): Marasmius corbariensis (Roum.) Singer (Family Marasmiaceae Roze Ex Kuhner 1980) – A new fungal species for Malta.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(3 & 4): 52-53 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 23 Bromus cathatrticus Vahl (Fam. Poaceae), A new record for the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Timothy J. Tabone, Alex Casha & Stephen Mifsud (2014)
Abstract First records of Bromus catharticus Vahl from Malta are given in this short communication. A short account of the the naturalising potential and sometimes the invasiveness of this species is given. Notes on the local populations are given and routes of possible introduction are discussed.
Keywords Alien flora, Bromus, Malta, Poaceae, New record
Citation Tabone, T.J., Casha, A. & Mifsud, S. (2014): Bromus cathatrticus Vahl (Fam. Poaceae), A new record for the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(3 & 4): 65-67 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 24 A study of the genus Persicaria Miller (Polygonaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (2014)
Abstract 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.
Keywords Persicaria, Polygonum, Taxonomy, Distribution, Wetland flora, Maltese Islands
Citation Mifsud, S. (2014): A study of the genus Persicaria Miller (Polygonaceae) in the Maltese Islands.   The Central Mediterranean Naturalist, 5(3 & 4): 26-51 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 25 Chromosome number of Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo (Elatinaceae) and its distribution on the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Anna Kalinka, Stephen Mifsud, Agnieska Popiela, Magdalena Achremi (2014)
Abstract Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo is an endemic species, with a distribution restricted to the central part of the Mediterranean Basin (Maltese islands, Lampedusa, southern part of Sicily). This hydrophyte grows in rainwater pools and cavities in karstic limestone. Although the morphology has been well studied, no karyological study has been carried out, and hence this work brings the first chromosome data for the Maltese-pelago endemic E. gussonei.We have found a diploid number of 54 chromosomes in E. gussonei, which differs from the chromosome number of most of Elatine species (2n = 36). Additionally, this account gives a recent distribution of the species on the Maltese islands.
Keywords Elatine gussonei, chromosome number, phytogeography
Citation Kalinka, S. et al. (2014): Chromosome number of Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo (Elatinaceae) and its distribution on the Maltese Islands.   Acta Botanica Croatia, 73(1): 267-273 (Croatia) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 26 Promotion of the Maltese Ophrys bombyliflora forma parviflora to a variety
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2014)
Abstract A discovery of a second clump of Ophrys bombyliflora f. parviflora from the Maltese islands was found to be formed of a homogenous population, the same previously found in 2008. These micro-satellite populations show a degree of genetic barrier with the normal form of O. bombyliflora, despite they are in sympatric associations. In addition, on evaluating its distinguishing characters, and abiding with the current application of infraspecific ranking in plant taxonomy, this taxon is here combined to a variety level, hence Ophrys bombyliflora var. parviflora.
Keywords Orchids of Malta, Flora Malta, Ophrys bombyliflora var. parviflora, endemics.
Citation Mifsud, S. (Dec 2014): Promotion of the Maltese Ophrys bombyliflora forma parviflora to a variety.   Journal Europaischer Orchideen , 46(3/4): 679-685 (Germany) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 27 Two hybrid orchids described from Malta: Ophrys × tumentia nothosubsp. tumentia and Ophrys x tumentia nothosubsp. sancti-martinii
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2014)
Abstract Two hybrid orchids of Ophrys caesiella with, respectively, the very early flowering Ophrys iricolor subsp. hospitalis and the later flowering Ophrys iricolor subsp. vallesiana are described from Malta. The descriptions of these two hybrids are supported by respective intermediate characters found flowering in sympatric association with their parent orchids.
Keywords Orchidaceae; Ophrys caesiella; Ophrys iricolor subsp. hospitalis; Ophrys iricolor subsp. vallesiana; Ophrys × tumentia nothosubsp. tumentia; Ophrys × tumentia nothosubsp. sancti-martinii; Malta.
Citation Mifsud, S. (Dec 2014): Two hybrid orchids described from Malta: Ophrys × tumentia nothosubsp. tumentia and Ophrys x tumentia nothosubsp. sancti-martinii.   Journal Europaischer Orchideen, , 46(3/4): 686-700, Germany. DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 28 A review of Romulea Maratti (Iridaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jul 2015)
Abstract A revision of Romulea for the Maltese islands has been carried out using a classical morphometric analysis and cytological investigations. Romulea species on the southeast coast of Sicily were also included in this study. Changes are the removal of R. columnae subsp. rollii and R. bulbocodium from the Maltese flora and importantly, clarification on the ambiguous R. melitensis (here lectotypified) leading to a description of a new species: R. variicolor, which is further subdivided into three varieties. This new species replaces most of the Maltese records of R. ramiflora. Taxonomic observations on R. columnae subsp. rollii from Ragusa support its elevation to the species level sensu Parlatore. New populations of R. rollii and R. melitensis are reported from Ragusa (Sicily). In addition, examples of hypothetical hybrids and terata are documented. The ecology, polymorphic characters and history of the Romulea species in Malta are discussed in detail. Finally, a key to the Romulea species present or recorded in Maltese literature is presented
Keywords Romulea; Iridaceae; Flora of Malta; Maltese endemics; Mediterranean region
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jul 2015): A review of Romulea Maratti (Iridaceae) in the Maltese Islands .   Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, 70(2): 247-287 (Italy) DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2015.1071910    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 29 Sedum album subsp. rupi-melitense (Crassulaceae), a new vegetatively reproducing subspecies from Malta (Maltese Islands, Central Mediterranean)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Ray Stephenson, Joachim Thiede (Sep 2015)
Abstract Plants of Sedum album (Sedum ser. Alba; Crassulaceae) from Malta (Maltese Islands) differ from previously known S. album plants in having very rarely formed inflorescences mostly without peduncular leaves and floral bracts, flowers in which (3–)5 stamens of one whorl, mostly of the antepetalous one, have dysfunctional and often abortive anthers and only the stamens of the other whorl having 5, dark maroon to blackish-brown, mostly indehiscent anthers at anthesis, pollen which is partly deformed and shrivelled, carpels without nectary scales, and fruits and seeds which remain undeveloped and sterile. The Maltese plants have apparently switched from generative to almost exclusively vegetative reproduction and are described as a new endemic subspecies Sedum album subsp. rupi-melitense. The local history, distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of this new taxon (which is categorized as Critically Endangered according to IUCN Red List Criteria) are discussed.
Keywords Asexual reproduction; chromosome number; endemic; Flora of Malta; Mediterranean Flora; IUCN Red List assessment; Sedum gypsicola; taxonomy; vegetative reproduction
Citation Mifsud, S., Stephenson, R. & Thiede, J. (Sep 2015): Sedum album subsp. rupi-melitense (Crassulaceae), a new vegetatively reproducing subspecies from Malta (Maltese Islands, Central Mediterranean) .   Phytotaxa, 227(2): 135-146 (Italy) DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.227.2.3    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 30 Taxonomic notes on Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana (Orchidaceae), a good endemic orchid from Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jan-2016)
Abstract In several global plant species databases the Maltese-endemic Anacamptis urvilleana is considered as a synonym of A. pyramidalis, hence reflecting the belief of some European authors. A number of morphological differences and phenology differentiate the Maltese pyramidical orchid from A. pyramidalis. As a result, it is suggested to maintain the identity of this orchid as A. pyramidalis var. urvilleana which merits conservation treatments different from the widely distributed A. pyramidalis s. str.
Keywords Orchidaceae; Anacamptis urvilleana; Anacamptis pyramidalis; Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana; Maltese endemics; Flora of Malta; Central Mediterranean region.
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jan-2016): Taxonomic notes on Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana (Orchidaceae), a good endemic orchid from Malta .   Journal Europäischer Orchideen, 48(1): 19-28 (Germany) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 31 Current status of Asplenium sagittatum (Aspleniaceae) in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Mark Napier, Fenech Sean and Louis F. Cassar (May 2016)
Abstract Asplenium sagittatum is a rare, indigenous fern which was assumed extinct in the dated Maltese Red Data book until 2008 when a small number of individuals was rediscovered. New records of this fern are reported, including a large and important population located in the north of mainland Malta. For the first time, the anatomical characters of Maltese material are described and compared with those of material from central Europe. The paper also presents taxonomical clarifications dealing with A. scolopendrium, as also the results of a local Red List assessment for this endangered fern.
Keywords Asplenium scolopendrium; flora of Malta; Central Mediterranean region; Red List; Pteridophytes; ferns
Citation Mifsud, S., Napier, M., Fenech, S. & Cassar, L.F. (May 2016): Current status of Asplenium sagittatum (Aspleniaceae) in the Maltese Islands.   Flora Mediterranea, 26(1): 69-80 (Italy) DOI: 10.7320/FlMedit26.069    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 32 Diversification of Portulaca oleracea L. complex in the Italian peninsula and adjacent islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Avinoam Danin, Fabrizio Buldrini, Marta Bandini Mazzanti, Giovanna Bosi, Maria Carmela Caria, David Dandria, Edwin Lanfranco, Stephen Mifsud and Simonetta Bagella (Jun 2016)
Abstract There is an increasing interest in the taxonomy and distribution of the forms of the Portulaca oleracea complex. The information accruing from specimens collected in the Italian peninsula and surrounding islands (Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Malta) is here described. Eleven morphotypes were recorded: ‘P. cypria’, ‘P. granulatostellulata’, ‘P. nitida’, ‘P. oleracea’, ‘P. papillatostellulata’, ‘P. rausii’, ‘P. sardoa’, ‘P. sativa’, ‘P. sicula’, ‘P. trituberculata’, ‘P. zaffranii’ and a still unclear form Portulaca oleracea f. Three occur in almost all the Italian peninsula and adjacent islands; three are scattered in the Italian peninsula and in the adjacent islands; the remnant have a distribution restricted to the islands such as Sicily and Sardinia. The morphotypes can be divided into two main categories: seeds smooth, without ornamentations; seeds with ornamentations. The morphotypes with ornamentations are more widespread than smooth ones, probably because seed ornamentations play an important role in seed dispersal, which is perhaps mainly anthropochorous given that P. oleracea is a synanthropic species that can tolerate mechanical disturbance. There are cases of multiple occurrence, as evidenced by the presence of different morphotypes in some of the sites. Such populations can count up to five morphotypes growing together. Seven morphotypes were here recorded from Malta; they are all hexaploid, even those which in other areas are tetraploid.
Keywords Corsica; Maltese Islands; purslane; Sardinia; seed tegument; Sicily; Portulaca
Citation Danin, A. et al. (Jun 2016): Diversification of Portulaca oleracea L. complex in the Italian peninsula and adjacent islands.   Botany Letters, 163(3): 261-272 (France) DOI: 10.1080/23818107.2016.1200482    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 33 Rediscovery of a rare gall on Rosa sempervirens induced by Diplolepis eglanteriae (Hartig, 1840) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Malta
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2016)
Abstract 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.
Keywords Mediterranean; Cynipidae; Eupelmidae; Eulophidae; Pteromalidae
Citation Mifsud, S. (Nov 2016): Rediscovery of a rare gall on Rosa sempervirens induced by Diplolepis eglanteriae (Hartig, 1840) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Malta.   Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Malta, 8: 39-45 DOI: 10.17387/BULLENTSOCMALTA.2016.03    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 34 Synopsis of Romulea (Iridaceae) of the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2016)
Abstract ... Taxonomic observations of R. columnae subsp. rollii (Parl.) Marais. from Ragusa, Sicily support its distinction and suggested to be erected back to R. rollii instead of its current treatment of being conspecific with or infraspecific of R. columane. New populations of R. rollii and R. variicolor are reported from Ragusa (Sicily). In addition, examples of terata and hypothetical hybrids are documented for the first time, with the latter having a close resemblance with R. melitensis as originally described by Beguinot in 1907. The synonymisation of R. tenuifollia Lojac. with R. rollii is also questioned and further investigation are needed.
Keywords Romulea, Sand Crocus, Malta, Central Mediterranean, Romulea melitensis, Romulea variicolor
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jun 2016): Synopsis of Romulea (Iridaceae) of the Maltese Islands .   Abstracts for the XV OPTIMA Meeting, Montpellier (France), 6-11 June 2016 , (poster presentation) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 35 An Updated Flora of Selmunett (St. Pauls Island) including Mosses and Lichens
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Edwin Lanfranco, Jennifer Fiorentino and Stephan D. Mifsud (Feb-2016)
Abstract A survey of four visits in Selmunett (Gzejjer ta' San Pawl) resulted in a number of new records com- prising 23 lichens, 2 mosses and 20 higher plants. Five of these species are protected, amongst which Plocama calabrica is very rare whereas Parietaria cretica, a critical species only recorded from Selmunett in the Maltese islands, has been rediscovered after not being sighted for about 15 years and was suspected of having become ex- tinct. Records resulting from this survey are compared with those from previous records or surveys between 1927 and 2012. These are examined critically, identifying possible misidenti cations as well as establishing their status, thus producing a nal update of the florula of Selmunett.
Keywords Selmunett; St. Pauls Island; Flora of Malta; Parietaria cretica
Citation Mifsud, S., Lanfranco. E., Fiorentino, J. & Mifsud, S.D. (Feb-2016): An Updated Flora of Selmunett (St. Pauls Island) including Mosses and Lichens.   Xjenza Online - Journal of the Malta Chamber of Scientists, 4: 142-159 (Malta) DOI: 10.7423/XJENZA.2016.2.05    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 36 A Preliminary Survey and Taxonomy of Wild Roses (Rosa Spp.) occurring on the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jan-2017)
Abstract 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 es-tablished 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 diculties 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.
Keywords Rosa spp.; Rosaceae; Flora of Malta; Mediterranean region
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jan-2017): A Preliminary Survey and Taxonomy of Wild Roses (Rosa Spp.) occurring on the Maltese Islands .   Xjenza Online - Journal of the Malta Chamber of Scientists, 5: 36-56 (Malta) DOI: 10.7423/XJENZA.2017.1.05    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 37 Contribution to the Mycobiota and Myxogastria of the Maltese Islands: Part 1 (2014-2016)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2017)
Abstract A study on the mycobiota of the Maltese islands was carried out between 2014 and 2016 in which 81 specimens of macrofungi (7 Ascomycota, 66 Basidiomycota, 7 Myxomycota) and 1 Oomycete where examined and identified. Identification was based on macromorphological and microscopy which resulted in 23 new species for the Maltese Islands, 17 new records for the island of Gozo and two new records for Comino as well 26 new occurrences over the islands. Cosmospora, Moellerodiscus, Dermoloma, Xerocomellus, Pisolithus, Rectipilus, Hemimycena and Leucoinocybe are new reported genera for Malta. Detailed morphological data on themacro- and microscopic characters, occurrence in the Maltese islands, status on the Maltese islands are provided and further illustrated by macroand micro- photographs.
Keywords Macrofungi; Discomycetes; Basidiomycetes; Myxomycetes; Maltese islands; new records
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jun 2017): Contribution to the Mycobiota and Myxogastria of the Maltese Islands: Part 1 (2014-2016).   Micologia. Vegetariana. Mediterranea, 32(1): 3-58 (Italy) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 38 Contribution to the alien flora of the Maltese Islands: New records, observations on invasive species and taxonomic updates
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2017)
Abstract ... The present work provides further knowledge, with the inclusion of some new records, about alien flora of Malta in order to assist central authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and relevant stakeholders in the awareness, management and control of alien species in accordance to Malta’s national environment policy. This communication deals with the reporting of new alien species observed in the Maltese Islands; supplying taxonomic corrections of some established alien species and providing pertinent observations on the widespread of alien plant species in natural ecosystems, indicating new threats and/or anthropogenic pressures.
Keywords Alien flora; Maltese Islands; New records
Citation Mifsud, S. (Nov 2017): Contribution to the alien flora of the Maltese Islands: New records, observations on invasive species and taxonomic updates .   Bulletin of the entomological Society of Malta, 9: (poster presentation) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 39 Additions of mycobiota and myxomycetes of the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Nov 2017)
Abstract ... In this communication, six new species of fungi (four Ascomycetes and two Basidiomycetes) will be discussed. Most important are the first records of a truffle (Picoa sp.) for the Maltese Islands and a recently described species of an autumnfruiting morel (Morchella sp.) which is new for the central Mediterranean Region and possibly even for continental western Europe. Moreover, Lycogala confusum Nann.- Bremek. and Physarum daamsii Nann.-Bremek. are further new additions to the inventory of Myxogastria occurring in Malta. Detailed descriptions of these species, their classification and pertinent photos and micrographs will be provided.
Keywords Fungi; Morrel; Truffle; Maltese Isalnds; Anthrocobia; Eriphyse
Citation Mifsud, S. (Nov 2017): Additions of mycobiota and myxomycetes of the Maltese Islands.   Bulletin of the entomological Society of Malta, 9: (poster presentation) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 40 Assessment of Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana for IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Sep 2017)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Sep 2017): Assessment of Anacamptis pyramidalis var. urvilleana for IUCN RedList .   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017, e.T87796710A87796954 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T87796710A87796954.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 41 Assessment of Atriplex lanfrancoi for IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Edwin Lanfranco, Darrin Stevens (Sep 2017)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Atriplex lanfrancoi)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S., Lanfranco, E. & Stevens, D. (Sep 2017): Assessment of Atriplex lanfrancoi for IUCN RedList.   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017, e.T61645A3106291 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T61645A3106291.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 42 Assessment of Ophrys fuciflora subsp. lacaitae for IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Angelo Troia (Sep 2017)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Ophrys fuciflora subsp. lacaitae)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. & Troia, A. (Sep 2017): Assessment of Ophrys fuciflora subsp. lacaitae for IUCN RedList.   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017, e.T87794901A87795457 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T87794901A87795457.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 43 A revision of Allium subsect. Allium (Amaryllidaceae) for the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & Owen Mifsud (Apr 2018)
Abstract A revision of species in Allium subsect. Allium occurring on the Maltese Islands was done on field and herbarium data. A. ampeloprasum L., the presumed endemic A. melitense (Borg.) Ciferri & Giacomini and A. commutatum Guss. are the three species mentioned in the Maltese floras within this group. The results clearly encompassed four different taxonomic units, corresponding to A. polyanthum Schult. & Schult. f. which has never been recorded for the Maltese Islands, two populations of A. commutatum and two forms (one sterile, one fertile) of their putative hybrid A. commutatum × A. polyanthum growing on few coastal areas. A. ampeloprasum is excluded from the Maltese islands while A. melitense is synonymised with A. polyanthum. All past records of A. commutatum (apart from a giant form) are referred to A. polyanthum. Moreover, A. . commutatum × A. polyanthum is reported from Sicily for the first time.
Keywords Allium polyanthum; A. commutatum; Malta; Central Mediterranean region
Citation Mifsud, S. & Mifsid, O. (Apr 2018): A revision of Allium subsect. Allium (Amaryllidaceae) for the Maltese Islands.   Flora Mediterranea, 28: 27-51 (Italy) DOI: 10.7320/FlMedit28.027    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 44 Contribution to the flora of the Maltese Islands: Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce and Euphorbia exigua s. l. (Euphorbiaceae)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Apr 2018)
Abstract The identity and the taxonomic treatment of the species belonging to Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce occurring on the Maltese Islands were not adequately studied both in historical and recent literature. Apart from the native sand dune species Euphorbia peplis, all records have been previously attributed to the cosmopolitan weedy species E. maculata and E. chamaesyce. This work provides the first taxonomic synopsis based on the examination of 53 specimens collected from Malta and Gozo between 2014 and 2017. The study ascertained the occurrence of six species, of which E. serpens, E. prostrata and E. hypericifolia are first reported from the Maltese Islands. Discussion on the taxonomy, origin, ecology and invasiveness of these species is provided, together with photos and an identification key. Moreover, taxonomic studies on E. exigua s. l., belonging to subg. Esula, sect. Exiguae, have been carried out on Maltese material and discussed. E. exigua var. pycnophylla, originally described as endemic of the Maltese Archipelago and recorded afterwards on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, bears no significant morphological trait which allows to clearly distinguish it from the nominal variety. No differences in fruit and seed morphology resulted when the two varieties were compared and the slight differences present in the habit of the plant and the arrangement of leaves has been judged to be of ecotypic origin, hence justifying the lumping of this variety into the single and variable taxon E. exigua.
Keywords Euphorbia; Chamaesyce; Euphorbia exigua; Flora of Malta; Mediterranean Flora
Citation Mifsud, S. (Apr 2018): Contribution to the flora of the Maltese Islands: Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce and Euphorbia exigua s. l. (Euphorbiaceae).   Phytotaxa, 372(2): 153-166 (Italy) DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.2    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 45 Assessment of Desmazeria pignatti for the IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Salvatore Orsenigo, Lorenzo Peruzzi, Angelo Troia & Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Desmazeria pignatti)
Keywords
Citation Orsenigo, S., Peruzzi, L., Troia, A. & Mifsud, S. (Jun 2018): Assessment of Desmazeria pignatti for the IUCN RedList .   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018, e.T100363296A100363418 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T100363296A100363418.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 46 Assessment of Ophrys melitensis for the IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Ophrys melitensis)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jun 2018): Assessment of Ophrys melitensis for the IUCN RedList .   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018, e.T162229A900380 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T162229A900380.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 47 Assessment of Romulea rollii for the IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Jean-Marc Tison, James Molina, Henry Michaud, Stephen Mifsud, A. Delage and Leon Nery (Jun 2018)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Romulea rollii)
Keywords
Citation Tison, J.-M., Molina, J., Michaud, H., Mifsud, S., Delage, A. & Nery, L. (Jun 2018): Assessment of Romulea rollii for the IUCN RedList .   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018, e.T110789520A110795567 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T110789520A110795567.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 48 Assessment of Romulea variicolor for the IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Jun 2018)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Romulea variicolor)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Jun 2018): Assessment of Romulea variicolor for the IUCN RedList .   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018, e.T87637491A87637638. DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T87637491A87637638.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 49 Anacamptis pyramidalis senso lato [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
Abstract Discussion, comparison and evalutaion of the widespread Anacamptis pyramidalis and the endemic A. urvilleana
Keywords Anacamptis urvilleana; Anacamptis; Maltese Islands; endemic species
Citation Mifsud, S. (Oct 2018): Anacamptis pyramidalis senso lato [occurring in the Maltese Islands].   Orchids of the Maltese Islands - A comprehensive Guide, 170-173 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 50 The Ophrys iricolor group [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
Abstract Discussion about the various orchid taxa within the Ophrys iricolor group occurring in the Maltese Islands, ecology, morphology and hybridisation
Keywords Ophrys mesaritica; Ophrys tumentia; Ophrys iricolor s.l.; Maltese Islands, ensemic species
Citation Mifsud, S. (Oct 2018): The Ophrys iricolor group [occurring in the Maltese Islands].   Orchids of the Maltese Islands - A comprehensive Guide, 174-177 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 51 The Ophrys lutea group [occurring in the Maltese Islands]
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
Abstract Discussion on the Ophrys lutea complex occurring in Malta
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Oct 2018): The Ophrys lutea group [occurring in the Maltese Islands].   Orchids of the Maltese Islands - A comprehensive Guide, 177-181 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 52 Ophrys melitensis – Origin and systematics
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2018)
Abstract Origin of the hybrdiogenous endemic orchid - Ophrys melitensis, and discussion on the possible putative parents
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Oct 2018): Ophrys melitensis – Origin and systematics.   Orchids of the Maltese Islands - A comprehensive Guide, 182-186 (Malta) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 53 Ophrys ×gaulosana (Orchidaceae) - a new hybrid from Gozo (Maltese Islands)
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2018)
Abstract A single Ophrys individual growing on rocky ground in the north area of the island Gozo (Malta) in March of 2018, was found to have unique characters not exhibited in any species growing in Malta. The orchid was growing very close to O. tenthredinifera and a scattered population of O. melitensis. From the intermediate state of several characters between these two species, it was concluded that this individual is a hybrid of these parents. Since O. melitensis is endemic to the Maltese Islands, this hybrid is hence an addition to the endemic flora of Malta.
Keywords Orchidaceae; Ophrys melitensis, Ophrys tenthredinifera, O. ×gaulosana; Maltese endemics; Flora of Malta; Central Mediterranean region.
Citation Mifsud, S. (Dec 2018): Ophrys ×gaulosana (Orchidaceae) - a new hybrid from Gozo (Maltese Islands).   Journal of European Orchids, 50(2-4): 213-220 DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 54 New records, taxonomic updates, and new locations for some alien species occurring in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Oct 2019)
Abstract ... The present work provides first records of the following alien species for the Maltese Islands: Asparagus africanus Lam. (Asparagaceae); Opuntia lindheimeri Engelm. and Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire (Cactaceae); Drosanthemum hispidum (L.) Schwantes (Aizoaceae); Nymphaea sp. L. (Nymphaceae); Monstera deliciosa Liebm. (Araceae) Acacia koa A. Gray (Fabaceae); Freesia alba (G.L.Mey.) Gumbl. and Freesia leichtlinii Klatt (Iridaceae). In addition, new localities for some infrequent alien species and observations on naturalised populations of other alien species which have been known for long as casual introductions are also given in this communication. This communication should assist central authorities, Natura 2000 site managers, NGOs, horticulturists and relevant stakeholders in promoting the awareness, management and control of alien species in accordance to Malta’s national environment policy.
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S. (Oct 2019): New records, taxonomic updates, and new locations for some alien species occurring in the Maltese Islands .   Abstracts for the XVI OPTIMA Meeting, Montpellier (France), 2-5 October 2019 , (poster presentation) DOI: n/a   PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 55 Phaeoclavulina decurrens (Gomphales, Basidiomycetes) – the first record for a coral fungus for the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2019)
Abstract The study about the mycobiota of the island of Gozo within the Maltese archipelago has resulted in the finding of new record of a basidiomycete – Phaeoclavulina decurrens. It is a coral fungus that grows on leaf litter of deciduous trees, where in fact, it was located under Ceratonia siliqua in a maquis community. The record as well the genus is also new for the Maltese Islands. A morphological description supplemented with macro- and micro-photographs are presented together with details about the ecology of this record. A brief taxonomic account of this species and its resemblance with closely related species are discussed
Keywords Central Mediterranean Region, Gozo, Ramaria, subgenus Echinoramaria
Citation Mifsud, S. (Dec 2019): Phaeoclavulina decurrens (Gomphales, Basidiomycetes) – the first record for a coral fungus for the Maltese Islands.   Microbial Biosystems, 4(3): 55–59 (Eygpty) DOI: 10.21608/mb.2019.65860    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 56 Assessment of Linaria pseudolaxiflora for the IUCN RedList
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud, Gianniantonio Domina, D. Gargano and C. Montagnini (Oct 2019)
Abstract Assessment for IUCN Red List (Linaria pseudolaxiflora)
Keywords
Citation Mifsud, S., Domina, G., Gargano, D. & Montagnani, C. (Oct 2019): Assessment of Linaria pseudolaxiflora for the IUCN RedList.   The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019, e.T161903A156508136 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T161903A156508136.en    PDF (int)
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Paper 57 Revision of the Lactuca species (Asteraceae) occurring in the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud and Owen Mifsud (Sep 2020)
Abstract An investigation on the species of Lactuca occurring in the Maltese Islands was carried out on 105 populations in natural habitats and 15 herbarium specimens. The main aim was to revise the four Lactuca species reported in historical literature of which the occurrence of L. virosa was doubtful, whereas L. saligna has not been reported for the last 30 years or more. Results confirmed the presence of three species: the agricultural cultivated crop Lactuca sativa; the frequently occurring L. serriola (both f. serriola and f. integrifolia) and the rediscovery of L. saligna from Gozo. L. virosa was not confirmed in this study and is considered as a past misidentification that persisted till present date derived from the misconception that the leaves of L. virosa are entire, whereas those of L. serriola are lobed. Achenes morphology and leaf characters were used for the determination of the species, and consequently, magnified images of the achenes and their morpho-metric assessment are given. The variation and infraspecific taxa of L. serriola are also discussed based on field findings. A brief account on the history of Lactuca species in Malta, a distributional map and an identification key are also given.
Keywords Compositae; Crop Wild Relatives; flora.
Citation Mifsud, S. (Sep 2020): Revision of the Lactuca species (Asteraceae) occurring in the Maltese Islands .   Flora Mediterranea, 30: 143-154 (Italy) DOI: 10.7320/FlMedit30.143    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 58 An updated checklist of the myxomycetes in the Maltese islands – An overview of an ongoing research
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Dec 2020)
Abstract Myxomycetes are minuscule cryptogamic saprotrophs of decaying vegetative matter, but which also feed and therefore control soil bacteria, microfungi or fungal spores. Yet, their role is not much valued in conservation protocols, and they are not frequently included in red lists. Their study in the Maltese Islands commenced only in the late 20th century by Michael Briffa, where he published 74 records. This account amalgamates the previously published records, revised to their current taxonomy and classification, with new records collected in this research between 2014-2020. The resulting checklist of 96 myxomycetes occurring in the Maltese Islands is here provided. The location, date and host of the first record of each species are given in this annotated checklist. The 22 new records are members of the genera Cribraria, Lycogala, Echinostelium, Perichaena, Trichia, Badhamia, Craterium, Fuligo, Physarum, Diderma, Didymium and Mucilago. This ongoing study on the slime moulds of the Maltese Islands aims to collect, photograph and identify as many specimens as possible so a better represented and updated inventory is compiled. From the past records, experience and fieldwork gained in this research, the myxomycetes that are considered rare or threatened are identified for possible inclusion in a national Red Data List of cryptogams. Moreover, collections currently deposited at the author’s Fungarium may be used to revive populations (e.g. in moist chambers) that are very rare and hence may be used for the conservation of native slime moulds. Finally, this work helps further students and international experts to comprehend which myxomycetes are currently recorded in the Maltese Islands.
Keywords Slime molds; checklist; Malta; the Mediterranean region
Citation Mifsud, S. (Dec 2020): An updated checklist of the myxomycetes in the Maltese islands – An overview of an ongoing research .   Microbial Biosystems, 5(2): 9-19 (Eygpt) DOI: 10.21608/MB.2020.45597.1025    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 59 Morphology of the invasive Carpobrotus (Aizoaceae) in Europe: Malta as a case study
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (Mar 2021)
Abstract Since the late 19th century, different taxonomic views have been reported for Carpobrotus species occurring in the Maltese Islands, where the latest treatments imply two varieties of C. edulis and the doubtful occurrence of C. acinaciformis. Taxonomic inconsistencies are possibly derived from the poor understanding or misinterpretation of morphological characters. Moreover, the hybridogenous morphotypes resulting from horticultural advances make the determination of Carpobrotus even harder, especially with the application of outdated identification keys which do not take hybrids into account. The difficulty in determining Carpobrotus spp. has been expressed in several recent accounts within the Mediterranean region. A taxonomic investigation was carried out by applying eleven morphological characters adopted from recent monographs on 25 populations present in Malta. Three taxonomic units have been retrieved from the analyzed sample, where C. acinaciformis s.l. has been confirmed to represent all the purple-flowering populations and C. edulis s.s. for the yellow-flowering ones. In this account, emphasis was given on the interpretation and understanding of distinctive morphological characters by employing a standardized method of assessment aided by images. This comparative morphological study resulted in a new characteristic in the leaves of C. edulis, by which it could be easily distinguished from C. acinaciformis in the vegetative state. A detailed discussion about the two different morphotypes of C. acinaciformis s.l. and dichotomous keys to distinguish Carpobrotus taxa are also provided.
Keywords Carpobrotus acinaciformis; Carpobrotus edulis; Mediterranean region; Invasive alien species
Citation Mifsud, S. (Mar 2021): Morphology of the invasive Carpobrotus (Aizoaceae) in Europe: Malta as a case study.   Mediterranean Botany, 42: 1-12 (Spain) DOI: 10.5209/mbot.71195    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 60 Rediscovery and taxonomic analysis of Romulea melitensis (Iridaceae) from the Maltese islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud (May 2021)
Abstract The status of the Maltese endemic Romulea melitensis remained doubtful since its description by Beguinot in 1907, primarily because plants with the morphological characters as referred in the diagnosis have not been substantiated in situ. A sand crocus with the combination of a smallish, dark violet corolla with a yellow throat and perianth segments up to 1.5 mm wide have never been witnessed in the Maltese Islands. A detailed analysis of the protologue and the type of R. melitensis has resulted that when Beguinot examined the 30-year-old exsiccatae, two important characters were misinterpreted, leading to the current ambiguous status of R. melitensis. A detailed account accompanied by specific illustrations and tabulated datasets are given to address this taxonomic misconception. In effect, R. melitensis has wider tepals and the dark colour of the corolla referred in the protologue is exhibited only at the abaxial surface of the tepals in some individuals. Under this adjusted morphological approach, ten populations corresponding to R. melitensis have been found in the Maltese islands, three of which matching completely with the taxon’s lectotype. In addition, morphological, palynological and chorological studies on these populations strongly suggest that R. melitensis is a hybrid between R. columnae and R. variicolor - a Siculo- Maltese endemic species. An identification key to the species of Romulea occurring or reported in the past from the Maltese Islands is supplied in this work.
Keywords hybrids; identification key; Maltese endemics; Romulea variicolor; sand crocus
Citation Mifsud, S. (May 2021): Rediscovery and taxonomic analysis of Romulea melitensis (Iridaceae) from the Maltese islands.   Phytotaxa, 483(3): 229–243 (Italy) DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.483.3.3    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 61 Xylaria melitensis (Xylariaceae), a new penzigioid species from the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Jacques Fournier, Christian Lechat, Stephen Mifsud, Carmel Sammut (Apr 2021)
Abstract Based on detailed morphological observations of both sexual and asexual morphs in vivo, cultures in vitro and molecular phylogenetic data based on rdna ITS and LSu sequences, we document herein a penzigioid Xylaria repeatedly collected in the Maltese islands of gozo and Malta. Though it morphologically resembles X. sibirica by stromatal habit and ascospores in the same size range with a long sigmoid germ slit, some significant differences could be detected after comparison of this Xylariawith an isotype collection of X. sibirica. Further differences in cultural characteristics and occurrence of a distinctive asexual morph in vivo preceding the development of the sexual morph, along with a molecular phylogenetic analysis clearly showing that they are distantly related, strongly support the recognition of this penzigioid Xylaria as a distinct species with phylogenetic affinities with the X. polymorpha aggregate. We therefore introduce X. melitensis sp. nov. to accommodate it.
Keywords Ascomycota; Gozo; Malta; Mediterranean mycobiota; ribosomal dna; taxonomy; Xylariales.
Citation Fournier, J., Lechat, C., Mifsud, S. & Sammut, C. (Apr 2021): Xylaria melitensis (Xylariaceae), a new penzigioid species from the Maltese Islands .   Ascomycete.org, 13(2) : 59–67 DOI: 10.25664/ART-0318    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 62 A complex genetic structure of Tetraclinis articulata (Cupressaceae) in the western Mediterranean
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Juan Luis García-Castaño, Francisco Balao, María Teresa Lorenzo, Errol Véla, Seghir Hadjadj-Aoul, Stephen Mifsud and Anass Terrab (Mar 2021)
Abstract Some tree species have distributions on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Strait of Sicily. It is a challenge to determine whether such distributions result from the Tertiary or Pleistocene or from more recent dispersal related to human activities. Tetraclinis articulata (Cupressaceae) is a gymnosperm that offers an ideal model to deal with this problem because it has a limited area of distribution and has been used only moderately by humans. Three hundred and twenty-three individuals from 30 populations covering the entire distribution of the species were analysed. A multiple approach was developed: (1) by assessing the genetic structure through two molecular techniques, AFLP and nSSR markers, which were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of these populations and the relationships among them and (2) by estimating past distributions. Four lineages of populations that are geographically intermixed to a certain extent are documented here. Results obtained are discussed in the context of palaeontological records and climatic models. There is evidence of an ancient widespread distribution, including Europe, and the subsequent appearance of four isolated lineages that, nowadays, are partially intermixed. Nevertheless, the origin of the current populations could not be fully ascertained through this work, although logical deductions are discussed that consider human activities or, much less probably, wind dispersal of seeds out of refugia in northern Africa-southern Europe during the Quaternary, including shore connections.
Keywords AFLP; dispersal; fossils; glacial refugia; gymnosperm; microsatellites; phylogeography; Tertiary.
Citation García-Castaño, J.L., Balao, F., Lorenzo, M.T., Véla, E., Hadjadj-Aoul, S., Mifsud, S. & Terrab, A. (Mar 2021): A complex genetic structure of Tetraclinis articulata (Cupressaceae) in the western Mediterranean.   Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 20: 1-19 (France) DOI: 10.1093/botlinnean/boab030    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 63 WOODIV, a database of occurrences, functional traits, and phylogenetic data for all Euro-Mediterranean trees
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Anne-Christine Monnet, Kévin Cilleros, Frédéric Médail, Marwan Cheikh Albassatneh, Juan Arroyo, Gianluigi Bacchetta, Francesca Bagnoli, Zoltán Barina, Manuel Cartereau, Nicolas Casajus, Panayotis Dimopoulos, Gianniantonio Domina, Aggeliki Doxa1, Marcial Escudero, Bruno Fady, Arndt Hampe, Vlado Matevski, Stephen Misfud, Toni Nikolic, Daniel Pavon, Anne Roig, Estefania Santos Barea, Ilaria Spanu, Arne Strid, Giovanni Giuseppe Vendramin & Agathe Leriche (Mar 2021)
Abstract trees play a key role in the structure and function of many ecosystems worldwide. In the Mediterranean Basin, forests cover approximately 22% of the total land area hosting a large number of endemics (46 species). Despite its particularities and vulnerability, the biodiversity of Mediterranean trees is not well known at the taxonomic, spatial, functional, and genetic levels required for conservation applications. The WOODIV database fills this gap by providing reliable occurrences, four functional traits (plant height, seed mass, wood density, and specific leaf area), and sequences from three DNA-regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA), together with modelled occurrences and a phylogeny for all 210 Euro-Mediterranean tree species. We compiled, homogenized, and verified occurrence data from sparse datasets and collated them on an INSPIRE-compliant 10 × 10 km grid. We also gathered functional trait and genetic data, filling existing gaps where possible. The WOODIV database can benefit macroecological studies in the fields of conservation, biogeography, and community ecology.
Keywords n/a
Citation Anne-Christine Monnet, Kévin Cilleros, Frédéric Médail et al. (Mar 2021): WOODIV, a database of occurrences, functional traits, and phylogenetic data for all Euro-Mediterranean trees .   Scientific Data, 8:89 (11pp) US DOI: 10.1038/s41597-021-00873-3    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Paper 64 Cortinarius ayanamii (Fungi, Cortinariaceae). The first record of a Cortinarius species for the Maltese Islands
Author(s) /
Year of publ.
Stephen Mifsud & David Mifsud (Sep 2021)
Abstract A small cluster of yellowish caramel-brown macromycetes growing under Cistus monspeliensis L. in Nadur, Gozo, has been identified as a Cortinarius species for its rough morphology, weak cortina on the stipe, arid taste, spore print and shape. DNA sequencing using ITS primers has further resolved the determination to species level where a 100% match correspond to Cortinarius ayanamii A.Ortega, Vila, Bidaud & Llimona. Cortinarius is the largest genus in terms of species diversity in Europe, however, this finding is the first record of Cortinarius for the Maltese Islands. The ecology of the Maltese population matches with that reported in the species description, specifically as a mycorrhizal species with C. monspeliensis and C. albida from Catalonia, Spain. The lack of other records from mainland Europe may indicate that the species is rare in Europe, and its distribution is poorly known. A detailed account of the finding in Gozo is given in this work, including the habitat and morphology of the individuals accompanied by relevant photographs
Keywords Myxacium, Vibratilis, Cistus, Malta, Gozo.
Citation Mifsud, S. & Mifsud, D. (Sep 2021): Cortinarius ayanamii (Fungi, Cortinariaceae). The first record of a Cortinarius species for the Maltese Islands .   Borziana, 2: 81-86 DOI: 10.7320/Borziana.002.081    PDF (RG)    PDF (int)
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Online & Media Articles of Scientific Value


This section contains articles of scientific value that are published here online. Information and links are displayed in a data table specific to the corresponding article. Such data comprises the article title, author(s), date, keywords and abstract but additionally, there are parameters specific to online articles, namely a version history, citation and 5 links which their function is described in the table below:

PDF File: Article in Portable Document File (pdf) format which can be downloaded, stored and easily distributed. The editing style is that of a scientific article in peer-reviewed journals .
Browser Version: This version can be easily accessed and read directely from your browser without downloading or any special software. It maintains exactly the same style as in the pdf, but may be enhanced by additional links, video content, and linkable references.
Editable MS Words File: This is the editable (Microsoft Words) version of the article. The main reason of including such file is for any referee or user who wish to revise or proof-read the article. Such work will be acknowledged in the article itself and this webpage. This MS doc is not fully public domain due to the possible risk of abuse or data ripping, so it is password protected. If you wish to revise this work, kindly email me for having the corresponding password.
Photos & Digital media: Being an online publication, a large number of digital data can be associated and published with the articles. This includes large number of photos, video content, digital sound recording, powerpoint presentations, and so on.
Forum Discussions: One can criticize, comment, add further info and discuss the related article on a public forum of MaltaWildPlants.com. (one must be member of the forum)
Online Articles: Articles published on online media like news, online magazines/journals or other electronic media


Article 01 A Floristic Survey on the Gozitan Islets of Taċ-Ċawla and Tal-Ħalfa in the Maltese Islands
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (Aug 2013)
Abstract A floristic survey was carried out on the islets of tal-Halfa and tac-Cawl, situated at the Southern coast of Gozo, to confirm or not the results of a recently published paper where it was concluded that a number of species from these sites are extinct or doubtful from a preceding work carried out by a group of scientists in year 2000. This paper confirms the occurrence of most of the species found by the latter scientists and additionally reports a significant number of new records of vascular plants of which some are legally protected, listed in the national red data book or considered rare. Taxonomical notes about few ambiguous plants that are found are also discussed.
Keywords tac-Cawl; tal-Halfa; Islets; Malta; Gozo; Flora
History Version: 1.0 released on 03-Jun-11 (First release)
Version: 1.1 released on 05-Jun-11 (Minor changes)
Version: 2.0 released on 15-Nov-11 (Revisit at tac-awl rock in Autumn (Nov 2011))
Version: 3.0 released on 5-Dec-11 (Revisit at tal-Halfa rock in Autumn (Dec 2011))
Version: 3.1 released on 30-Aug-13 (Proof-read by Brian Farrugia - final version)
Online Source MaltaWildPlants.com - Online Publications   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (Aug 2013): A Floristic Survey on the Gozitan Islets of Taċ-Ċawla and Tal-Ħalfa in the Maltese Islands. - MaltaWildPlants.com - Online Publications MWPOP-001.
Article Version: 3.1 published on 30-Aug-13
URL Link: http://www.MaltaWildPlants.com/publ/index.php#W01
Links
PDF doc
Online article
Editable version
Photo Gallery
Comment
History
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Article 02 A species of rose saved from local extinction at Wied il-Lunzjata
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (15 October 2016)
History Version: 1.0 released on 15-Oct-16 (First version)
Online Source Gozo.News   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (15 October 2016): A species of rose saved from local extinction at Wied il-Lunzjata. - Gozo.News .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 15-Oct-16
URL Link: https://gozo.news/64430/a-species-of-rose-saved-from-local-extinction-at-wied-il-lunzjata/
Links
Online article
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Article 03 New Orchid to science named after Gozo
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (18 May 2019)
History Version: 1.0 released on 18-May-19 (First version)
Online Source Gozo.News   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (18 May 2019): New Orchid to science named after Gozo. - Gozo.News .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 18-May-19
URL Link: https://gozo.news/75874/new-orchid-to-science-named-after-gozo/
Links
Online article
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Article 04 Maltese bug-like orchid found
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (24 July 2015)
History Version: 1.0 released on 24-Jul-15 (First version)
Online Source Times of Malta Online   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (24 July 2015): Maltese bug-like orchid found. - Times of Malta Online .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 24-Jul-15
URL Link: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/maltese-bug-like-orchid-found.577800
Links
Online article
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Article 05 The sand crocuses of Malta – a puzzle solved
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (29 Feb 2016)
History Version: 1.0 released on 29-Feb-16 (First version)
Online Source Times of Malta Online   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (29 Feb 2016): The sand crocuses of Malta – a puzzle solved . - Times of Malta Online .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 29-Feb-16
URL Link: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/The-sand-crocuses-of-Malta-a-puzzle-solved.604092
Links
Online article
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Article 06 Maltese pyramidal orchid - Endemic plant brought back to recognition within scientific community
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (2 March 2017)
History Version: 1.0 released on 02-Mar-17 (First version)
Online Source Times of Malta Online   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (2 March 2017): Maltese pyramidal orchid - Endemic plant brought back to recognition within scientific community. - Times of Malta Online .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 02-Mar-17
URL Link: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Maltese-pyramidal-orchid.641169
Links
Online article
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Article 07 The Scaley-stalked puffball – a new mushroom for the Maltese Islands
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (20 Sep 2017)
History Version: 1.0 released on 20-Sep-17 (First version)
Online Source Gozo.news   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (20 Sep 2017): The Scaley-stalked puffball – a new mushroom for the Maltese Islands. - Gozo.news .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 20-Sep-17
URL Link: https://gozo.news/68586/the-scaley-stalked-puffball-a-new-mushroom-for-the-maltese-islands/
Links
Online article
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Article 08 Orchid named after Gozo
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (28 May 2019)
History Version: 1.0 released on 28-May-19 (First and last version)
Online Source Times of Malta Online   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (28 May 2019): Orchid named after Gozo. - Times of Malta Online .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 28-May-19
URL Link: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/orchid-named-after-gozo-stephen-mifsud.711190
Links
Online article
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Article 09 First record in Malta of Beauveria bassiana – a fungus parasitic on insects
Author
(Year of publ.)
Stephen Mifsud (16 October 2020)
History Version: 1.0 released on 16-Oct-20 (First version)
Online Source Gozo.News   (See links below)
Citation Mifsud, S. (16 October 2020): First record in Malta of Beauveria bassiana – a fungus parasitic on insects. - Gozo.News .
Article Version: 1.0 published on 16-Oct-20
URL Link: https://gozo.news/86090/first-record-in-malta-of-beauveria-bassiana-a-fungus-parasitic-on-insects/
Links
Online article
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