Passerina ericoides L.

Growth Form

Passerina ericoides is a shrub that usually grows up to 1 metre tall.

Leaf Characteristics

It has narrow, slightly succulent leaves that are roughly 2 to 3 millimetres long.

Flower Features

Its flowers range from greenish-yellow to reddish, and are borne below leaf-like bracts.

Fruit Characteristics

Unlike most species in the genus Passerina, this plant produces fleshy orange or red berries.

Fruit Palatability

While the berries have an unpleasant taste, they are not harmful and are visually very attractive.

Seed Dispersal

Tortoises eat these berries, and are thought to spread the plant's seeds through their droppings.

Common Name Origin

This fact gives the species one of its common names, "skilpadbessie", which is Afrikaans for "tortoise berry".

Shared Common Name

This common name is shared with multiple other plant species, including species in the genus Nylandtia and Chironia baccifera.

Sand Stabilization Use

Passerina ericoides is an excellent species for stabilizing mobile sand dunes.

Stabilization Mechanism

Its strong, widespread roots hold sand in place, and produce new shoots in other areas to continue stabilizing sand.

Garden Suitability

It is also a satisfying water-wise plant suited for coastal gardens.

Propagation Methods

It can be propagated from either seed or cuttings.