Photo credit: Anna Giordano
The Sea Marigold, Calendula maritima, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. This bright yellow flower is found in Sicily and surrounding islets, growing on the decaying remnants of nitrogen-rich sea grass that is washed ashore.
The Sea Marigold is primarily threatened by the encroachment of urban developments on its natural habitat. Since there are currently no legal measures in place to protect this attractive plant, it also faces the threat of collection for its beautiful flowers. In addition to these threats, it has in recent years had to aggressively compete with an alien invasive species, the Iceplant or Hottentot Fig.
For now, it is only the Nature Reserves “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” and “Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala” that offer the Sea Marigold protection. Last year, this species was chosen as the official symbol of the province of Trapani. This decision will be accompanied by conservation measures in the field.
Geographic Range of the Sea Marigold
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Sea Marigold, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.
