Muraltia is a genus of plants in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae) which is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. Most of the species are endemic to South Africa, and one species is naturalized in Australia. It is named after Johannes von Muralt, a Swiss botanist and surgeon. In 2006 the genus Nylandtia, which contained two species, was merged into Muraltia. 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.

Muraltia scopara, previously known as Nylandtia scoparia and commonly known as Tortoise Berry in English and Skilpadbessie or Duinebessie in Afrikaans varies from small trees to erect shrubs of up to 2.5 m. The branches are finely divided, erect and spreading. They are green and furrowed, usually ending in short spines that are almost leafless. The leaves are alternately arranged, almost sessile and oblong to lanceolate. The apex of the leaf is hooked and often extends in a short spine. Flowers are arranged in many-flowered racemes and are pink to mauve. Typical of the family Polygalaceae, the anterior petal is keel-like, with a lobed multifid crest. Flowering time extends from July to September. The edible fruits are fleshy drupes, white to green, gradually turning red and clutched by persistent mauve calyx lobes.