A second A6 postcard promoting the National Insect initiative has been released by the Foundation for Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee (KNM), in collaboration with the HSBC Malta Foundation.

The new postcard retains the same design on the front as the first card which was released in August last year, and features elements interlinked with Malta, such as the white and red colours of the Maltese flag and a detail from the Maltese Cross.

The endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) is depicted on a flower of the indigenous Mediterranean Thistle (Galactites tomentosa). However, the back of this second edition showcases a new artwork, once again by the talented artist Karl Farrugia, illustrating the Maltese Honey Bee on the flower of Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), a vibrant forage plant.

Glenn Bugeja, representing the HSBC Malta Foundation, stated, “this postcard promotes the National Insect initiative and underscores HSBC Malta’s commitment to supporting the important work carried out by the Foundation. These postcards celebrate the Maltese Honey Bee as well as the rich diversity of indigenous and endemic flora, and forage crop it depends on, including Sulla.”

Dylan Farrugia, Administrator of the KNM Foundation, expressed gratitude, saying, “the Foundation sincerely thanks the HSBC Malta Foundation for once again supporting our efforts. With this new postcard our objective is once again to promote awareness of the Maltese Honey Bee.”

He added that, “the success of the first postcard inspired this second edition, which highlights the cultivation of Sulla in agricultural fields. Historically, the cultivation of sulla blanketed Maltese fields in vibrant red blooms, akin to a ‘red carpet,’ enriching both the landscape and our agricultural heritage while provide a vital source of nectar for pollinators, including the Maltese Honey Bee. We hope this initiative serves as inspiration for efforts which would herald the return of Maltese Sulla honey to our local markets.”

The first postcard was widely well-received, with copies distributed to schools and HSBC branches across Malta and Gozo. It depicted the illustrated Maltese Honey Bee on the endemic Maltese Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis urvilleana), a rare orchid species that blooms from early March to mid-April.

This limited-edition second postcard is being distributed to students and is available at HSBC branches as from the end of this month.

The KNM explained that the Sulla flower’s prominent role in this edition highlights the importance of restoring this traditional forage plant to Maltese agriculture. Encouraging its growth not only benefits the Maltese Honey Bee but also contributes to the preservation of Malta’s rich natural heritage.

Photo; HSBC Malta Foundation

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