Stephen Mifsud – a local botanist and author is publishing Malta’s first book – Orchids of the Maltese Islands: A Descriptive Guide – specialising on its population of Orchids.

Stephen and Greenhouse Malta have teamed up to marry 17-years of his own research, with decades of data collected from papers by researchers that studied the Maltese Orchids, starting with journals published as early as 1853.

Greenhouse said that a definitive guide is the result of this work, with stunning photography that walks the reader through the different species of Orchids that exist (or used to exist) in Malta, with information on their status, and descriptions of the form, habitat, distribution, and conservation status of every species.

This book, the NGO said, is theirs and the author’s first big step to changing Malta’s story in a more positive direction when it comes to its natural environment by illustrating the beauty and uniqueness of the 36 different species of Orchids Malta is host to.

Their goal, they said, is to make accessible more information on Malta’s biodiversity to the general public and policymakers. “This book will create a foundation for further data gathering initiatives that can build upon the information it provides.”

They added that, “it will also help influence policy on the issuing and/or removal of ODZ status to land in Malta by supplying the Environment and Resources Authority with concrete information on areas in Malta that need to be preserved to ensure the survival of this species, which is an important cross-pollinator with a unique evolution.”

The book launch is taking place at the Malta Society for Arts in Valletta on Thursday, the 29th of November.

The event will celebrate the finished result of 17 years of research – “an endeavour that will help ensure Malta’s future is greener and provides a better quality of life to its myriad of different creatures, from plants and bees to its peoples,” they said.

Stephen Mifsud, who is the resident botanist and mycologist at EcoGozo, will give a speech and carry out a book signing, the books will be available at the pre-order price of €25.

Every person who buys the book will also be given a beautifully illustrated postcard of an orchid as a thank you from Greenhouse.

The book launch will run from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. Free drinks and canapés will be served throughout the event.

Orchids of the Maltese Islands: A Descriptive Guide will be available at Agenda Bookshop and other stores, follow Greenhouse’s Facebook page to stay updated.

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