Hagret il-General : an islet with past medical links

Abstract

From the high ground in the locality marked on maps of Gozo as Ghajn Abdul, Ghar Ilma and Ta' Dbiegi, permeated so strongly with the ghosts of the past, one's eyes can roam over a lovely panorama. One of the topographical features that catches the eye is the massive rock known as 'Hagret il-General' or 'Hagra tal- General' subtitled 'Fungus Rock', situated at the entrance of lagoon like Dwejra. The huge rock stands out, stark and barren as it did in the days of Neolithic man so many centuries back. This locality presents a fine vista in colour and time. In the past this rock had a certain importance as it was (and still is) the habitat of a plant which was used extensively for medicinal purposes.