No images found for this plant ID: 30378.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "30378" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Nylandtia
Scientific Name: Nylandtia
Family: Polygalaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Nylandtia: A Unique Fynbos Shrub
Nylandtia is a small genus of shrubs belonging to the Polygalaceae family. Native to South Africa, these plants are known for their adaptability and intriguing characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- Nylandtia spinosa has stiff and spiny branches.
- The fleshy fruits are bright red when ripe.
Considerations for Children
- Nylandtia spinosa has stiff and spiny branches.
- The fleshy fruits are bright red when ripe.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Nylandtia Dumort.
- Common Names: Tortoise Berry, Skilpadbessie, Duinebessie (Afrikaans)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Polygalaceae (Milkwort family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms:
- Mundia Kunth (in part)
- Mundia spinosa (L.) DC.
- Muraltia spinosa (L.) F. Forest et J. C. Manning
- Polygala spinosa
- Mundtia scoparia Eckl. & Zeyh. (synonym of Nylandtia scoparia)
- Type Species: Nylandtia spinosa (L.) Dumort.
Distribution and Habitat
- Endemic to the fynbos and Succulent Karoo regions of South Africa, particularly the winter-rainfall areas of the Cape region.
- Observed near the Atlantic coast on the southern Cape.
Morphological Characteristics
- Characterized as a stiff, spiny shrub.
- Can grow into a large shrub, reaching 5-10 feet in height.
- May exhibit a groundcover or low-growing habit.
Quirky Facts
- Despite being a "spiny stiff shrub," Nylandtia can produce "profuse orchid-like pink flowers."
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The fruits of Nylandtia spinosa are consumed by the Angulate Tortoise (Chersina angulata).
Further Information
- GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)
- Red List of South African Plants
- Dave's Garden
- B and T World Seeds' database
- Discover Life
- Plantillustrations.org
- Yumpu.com (magazines)