Large dark green leaves

Post by **MWP admin** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 6:26 pm

Found this plant near a construction site beside a road in Mgarr. Something told me to take a photo and post on the forum. What is it ?

Sdravko · Post by **Sdravko** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:13 pm

sth told me its beta. so Malta is becoming green again.

Post by **MWP admin** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:29 pm

The leaves were as large as my hand streched flat (c. 12-18cm). Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima usually have smaller leaves right?!? and I found no other Beta spp. in Haslam/Weber

Sdravko · Post by **Sdravko** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:47 am

well, sometimes you get bigger ones. just look at me.

RB · Post by RB » Mon Nov 06, 2006 1:59 pm

Yes agree. Can be eaten as spinach, used to collect when younger even though I hated it.

jackpot · Post by **jackpot** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:52 pm

MWP: this is the very rare Betaster squaritima, just in flower!

Serious: leaves of vulgaris-maritima are very variable.