Nylandtia scoparia - Tortoise Berry - 5 Seed Pack - Flat Seed Ship Rate - Indigenous Shrub - NEW

Nylandtia is placed in the Polygalaceae family. It is a small South African endemic genus of two or more species distributed mainly in the Cape region. They are mostly shrubs or small trees. These plants grow very well in rockeries, on slopes, terraforce walls and any well-drained, sunny garden position, providing a beautiful display. Use in a mixed shrub border, as an accent plant in a shrubby garden or as a fynbos companion plant. It is also a good contrast foliage plant and can be used effectively to punctuate a soft landscape planting. Plant it where you can appreciate it in flower and fruit e.g. near the house, or beside the patio where you can enjoy looking at it and be able to enjoy the birds it will attract. These hardy plants require no special care, are fairly water-wise and pest resistant. Once established in the garden, it is drought tolerant, wind and some frost. As it grows naturally next to the sea it is also an ideal small shrub for coastal gardens. Give it a seasonal dose of compost and water moderately. A regular, light pruning of the tips will encourage a bushy growth.

Nylandtia scoparia commonly known as Tortoise Berry in English and Skilpadbessie or Duinebessie in Afrikaans varies from small trees to erect shrubs of up to 2.5 m. The branches are finely divided, erect and spreading. They are green and furrowed, usually ending in short spines that are almost leafless. The leaves are alternately arranged, almost sessile and oblong to lanceolate. The apex of the leaf is hooked and often extends in a short spine. Flowers are arranged in many-flowered racemes and are pink to mauve. Typical of the family Polygalaceae, the anterior petal is keel-like, with a lobed multifid crest. Flowering time extends from July to September. The edible fruits are fleshy drupes, white to green, gradually turning red and clutched by persistent mauve calyx lobes.