The Tortoise Berry

Tags

berries, Cape Town, coastal garden, Flowers, garden, Nylandtia Spinosa, plants, purple flowers, South African endemic plant, Tortoise, Tortoise Berry, water wise

The Tortoise Berry (Nylandtia spinosa) is a really striking little shrub. It has masses of pea-like purple flowers flowering from April until October. Attractive and thorny foliage, pretty red edible fruits, and water-wise attributes make it a great choice for windy Cape Coastal gardens.

The fruits are edible and much loved by tortoises and birds. Children can eat the berries safely. The fruits are rich in Vitamin C and thirst quenching.

The Tortoise Berry – Nylandtia Spinosa