Muraltia Explained

Muraltia is a genus of plants in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae) which is native to Southern and Eastern Africa.[1] [2] [3] Most of the species are endemic to South Africa, and one species is naturalized in Australia.[4] It is named after Johannes von Muralt, a Swiss botanist and surgeon.[5]

In 2006 the genus Nylandtia, which contained two species, was merged into Muraltia.[6] The two species formerly part of Nylandtia are Muraltia scoparia and Muraltia spinosa. Nylandtia are commonly known as "Tortoise berry" plants ("skilpadbessie"). This is because of the bright edible berries that they produce, which are relished by the tortoise species of the fynbos.

Description

Muraltia are perennial, ericoid shrublets or shrubs. Their small flowers and sessile or have short stalks.[7] usually have 3 petals and 5 sepals which are usually subequal. Their fruits contain 2 seeds. Their capsules are flat, membranous, and usually 4-horned. Its seeds are pubescent.[3] [8]

Species

As of July 2020, there are 118 accepted Muraltia species:[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2014 Annual Checklist.. Roskov Y.. Kunze T.. Orrell T.. Abucay L.. Paglinawan L.. Culham A.. Bailly N.. Kirk P.. Bourgoin T.. Baillargeon G.. Decock W.. De Wever A.. Didžiulis V.. 2014. Species 2000: Reading, UK.. 1 December 2016.
  2. Forest F, Nänni I, Chase MW, Crane PR, Hawkins JA . 2007 . Diversification of a large genus in a continental biodiversity hotspot: Temporal and spatial origin of Muraltia (Polygalaceae) in the Cape of South Africa . . 43 . 1. 60–74 . 10.1016/j.ympev.2006.08.017. 17049279 . 2007MolPE..43...60F .
  3. Web site: Muraltia DC. . Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanical Gardens Kew . June 29, 2020.
  4. Web site: Fact sheet for Muraltia . Electronic Flora of South Australia . Government of South Africa . July 13, 2020.
  5. Web site: Hermanus Botanical Society . Muraltia minuta . Fernkloof Nature Reserve . June 30, 2020.
  6. Forest . Félix . Manning . John C. . Evidence for Inclusion of South African Endemic Nylandtia in Muraltia (Polygalaceae) . Systematic Botany . 2006 . 31 . 3 . 525–532 . 10.1600/036364406778388566 . 25064182 . 0363-6445.
  7. Flora of New South Wales . 1978 . 112 . July 13, 2020 . Government Printer.
  8. Web site: Muraltia . Flora of Victoria . Government of Victoria, Australia . July 13, 2020.
  9. Web site: Nylandtia scoparia.
  10. Web site: Nylandtia spinosa.

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