Skilpadbessie
Nylandtia spinosa

Family: Polygalaceae

What it is like

A spiny shrub. The branches are stiff. It grows 1 m tall. The branches have lines along them and end in a stiff spine. The leaves are small and needle like. The flowers are pink. There are large clusters of pea-shaped flowers. The fruit is an orange to red berry. They are edible.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in coastal areas. It grows in dry areas. It suits alkaline soils, full sun and can tolerate drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a dessert fruit. They are also used for jams and jellies.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mundia spinosa (L.) DC; Polygala spinosa L.; Probably also Muraltia spinosa (L.) F. Forest & J. C. Manning;