Tortoise Berry (Muraltia Spinosa) is a perennial shrub in the Polygalaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires low watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This plant is safe for cats and dogs.

A much branched, stiffly erect, rounded shrub with arching, spine-tipped stems and small, narrow deciduous leaves.

Tortoise Berry

Tortoise Berry

Muraltia Spinosa

A much branched, stiffly erect, rounded shrub with arching, spine-tipped stems and small, narrow deciduous leaves.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
Low
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
9-11

Safety

🐕
Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, rocky
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:ornamental, groundcover, spiny barrier

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Tortoise Berry

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Tortoise Berry
Tortoise Berry detail

View leaf details, flowers, seeds & more in the app

Taxonomy

Family:Polygalaceae
Genus:Muraltia