Saint Rapheal Lake

Saint Rapheal Lake (San Raflu) is a small rural area just outside the locality of Kerċem, at the south-west of the island of Gozo. It has a latitude of 36°02’11.97” north and a longitude of 14°11’56.83” east. The area is approximately 148 metres above sea level, and 350 m (vertical distance) away from the sea. The area is surrounded by two of the most important bays in Gozo; the Dwejra Bay to the left, and the Xlendi Bay to the right.

The area is situated on layers of Upper, Middle and Lower Globigerina limestone (Franka ta’ Fuq, tan-Nofs u ta’ Taħt), which make up the base of the whole San Raflu area. However, one also finds traces of Coralline limestone rock, which also makes up the Xlendi Cliffs. The high amount of limestone in the area also influences the soil, which is mainly xerorendzinas, a main characteristic of the Globigerina areas. In fact, this soil is a compound of the Globigerina limestone, the greensand, and several other organic material, and has very high levels of stone and chalk content, whilst keeping a very low level of humus. This type of soil is mostly common in the southern parts of Gozo, but however, it is still considered widespread around the island.

The area has always been a centre for agricultural activity, which has grown in the twentieth century. The area is called San Raflu u Sarraflu most probably after the Archangel St. Raphael, although the reason for this is quite unknown. The area centers around a man made hole which gathers water and is home to several different marine organisms. Since the year 1981, a spring festival, called the Fiera tal-Għadira (Għadira Festival) is held every year on the first Sunday after Easter, and in which several agricultural produce and farm animals are sold to the public. However in general, one may conclude that the area has always been quite slow and quiet, perhaps with the exception of the quarrying industry, which for some years has been present in the area, and which is still active presently.

The area boasts of a diversity of flora and fauna throughout the year, making it an ecological place of high importance. This is because the soil is quite fertile, and that there are several patches of land which are left unused, and therefore it is very easy for wildlife to regenerate and grow. The species, especially the plants vary also in their type, as we find indigenous, endemic, and also alien or introduced species, as depicted in the table below.

Out of nine common species found in the area, four are indigenous, two are endemic, and two are introduced. This is the most clear proof of the flora diversity, and its importance not only in Gozo, but also in the Maltese Islands in general. One should also note that the Sicilian Marigold is only found in Gozo in the San Raflu and Xlendi Areas, along with some other area in Malta. This increases the ecological importance of the area in respect of the flora.

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Wikipedia