Almond Tree

Description:

The sweet almond is a shrubby tree which may grow to a height of around 7 meters and supports rather intricate branches. In winter, just before the growth of the foliage, the almonds’ first blooms of symmetrically beautiful pure white or pale pink flowers, appear. Following fertilization, the fruits are borne. Upon maturity, the grey-green fleshy fruit splits open to reveal the hard-pitted shell of the almond nut inside. The almond nut is a component of various Maltese dishes ranging from sugar-coated almonds to almond pastries and ice cream.

Habitat:

Found growing in valleys and maquis.

Notes:

Maltese name: Sigra tal-Lewz