The tortoise berry is a striking plant when covered in its masses of dainty purple flowers. Attractive and unusual spiny foliage, pretty red edible fruits and water-wise attributes all combine to make it a great choice for the discerning gardener.

This shrub has a moderate growth rate and is quite hardy.

Best suited to a coastal situation, Muraltia spinosa will tolerate frost, average to little rainfall and a wide range of temperatures.

This hardy plant requires no special care, is fairly water-wise and pest resistant. Once established in the garden, it will tolerate drought, 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.

Propagation is best from seed, as cuttings are slow and difficult to root. Sow fresh seed in spring or early summer using a well-drained soil mixture. First remove the fleshy covering. Germination should occur in 2 to 3 weeks and seedlings can be transplanted as soon as they are large enough to handle.

It is covered in small, narrow deciduous leaves.

Sweetpea-like flowers, (purple, pink or white) cover the plant in a beautiful mass starting in autumn and continuing through winter to early spring (Apr. to Oct.). The truly lovely flowers superficially resemble those of the pea and legume family but are actually quite different. All members of this genus have three to five sepals and three to five petals. T