The successful keeping of tortoises involves offering a wide variety of foods to promote healthy appetites and provide essential nutrients. In their native environments they will browse freely among the many types of plants they encounter. This article will explore some of the readily available plant species which many tortoises consume with gusto.
Landscaping with plants which provide food and shelter for tortoises is not difficult. Many suitable plants are very ornamental and are adaptable to a wide range of climates, and many can be grown in containers. Please bear in mind that this article is being written in Southern California with its climate as the basis for descriptions of plant performance. Since the readership of the Tortuga Gazette is both national and international, local conditions will vary greatly. For instance, the Tropical Hibiscus will freeze and not recover in localities in which the temperature drops below 30° F (-1° C) for extended periods. In such localities, gardeners may treat the plant as an annual, setting out fresh plants each spring.
In addition it is important to remember that plants destined for consumption by chelonians should be free of residues from pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. Very little information exists on the effects of these powerful chemicals on "cold blooded" animals; therefore, it is wise to be scrupulous in avoiding the exposure of your tortoises to these substances. Granular (pellet) fertilizers are also potentially dangerous and should not be used in areas in which tortoises live and/or graze. Snail bait is extremely toxic and should be rigorously avoided.
The scientific or botanical names for the plants reviewed in this article are provided in parentheses. Common names for plants vary locally, but the botanical names are used worldwide, recognized from the Antilles to Zambia. The reader will be assured of getting the exact plant being described when it is identified by its botanical name.
Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flowers and leaves are nutritious favorites of many tortoises. This large evergreen shrub may reach 15 feet at maturity and requires frequent, deep waterings for best performance. It also requires some protection from hot afternoon sun in the warmer inland areas. Many flower colors are available, from white through yellow and pink to orange and red.
Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) is in the same family as the Tropical Hibiscus. It requires full sun, grows well in less-than-perfect soils, and is quite drought tolerant once established in the garden. Blue Hibiscus is an evergreen shrub which reaches a height of 5-8 feet at maturity. Its lilac blue flowers are relished by many tortoises.
Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybridum) has flowers which many tortoises find delectable. This evergreen shrub grows at a moderate rate and requires regular watering for bestappearance and flower production. It reaches a height of 8 to 10 feet with an equal spread at maturity. Flower colors include white, pink, yellow, red and several bi-colors.
Rose (Rosa species) blossoms are enjoyed by tortoises. Floribunda roses produce masses of flowers, stay a manageable size and are often more pest- and disease-resistant than Hybrid Tea roses (the most commonly grown of the roses). Floribundas generally require less pruning for flower production than Hybrid Teas. Rosa rugosa species roses. R. rugosa "Cecile Brunner" and "Belle of Portugal" are highly recommended for quality of flavor, but these grow to huge proportions and one must have plenty of room for them.
Geraniums (Pelargonium species) are also enjoyed by tortoises. Many varieties of geranium are commonly available. The best performer is a type of Ivy Geranium known as the Balcon Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum). It is resistant to geranium bud-worm and flowers profusely for most of the year, bearing pink or red flowers. Scented geraniums are said to have superior flavor compared to other geraniums, particularly Rose Geranium (P. graveolens) and Peppermint Geranium (P. tomentosum).
The Mulberry Tree (Morus alba) bears leaves on which tortoises will feed. It should be borne in mind that Mulberry Trees can produce fruits which stain patios, paths and clothing. For this reason, the home gardener often chooses a fruitless type. For ease of harvesting and for maximum shade, a weeping form of Mulberry is best. Morus alba "Pendula" (fruiting) and M. alba "Chaparral" (non-fruiting) are highly recommended.
The much-maligned Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a delicious treat. Both leaves and flowers of this "weed" (a weed after all, is a plant out of place) delight tortoises and other vegetarian reptiles. If you cannot tolerate them in your garden, consider growing dandelions in a container and harvest them for your grateful chelonians.
Commonly grown culinary herbs often have edible flowers. Fennel (Foeniculum), thyme (Thymus), rosemary (Rosmarinus), sage (Salvia), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and arugula all bear edible blossoms. Many items from the home vegetable garden are also particular), flowers from the Squash family (Cucurbita species, pumpkin, zucchini, etc.) cucumbers, Brussels sprouts (illustration), and many other commonly grown vegetables will provide substantial nutrition.
Many commonly grown ornamentals have edible flowers. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), day lilies (Hemerocallis species), violets, Johnny-jump-ups, and pansies (Viola) all have pleasant-tasting flowers which are used in human cuisine. Some members of the Chrysanthemum family are edible while others are toxic, so be cautious about offering chrysanthemums to tortoises.
And, finally, there are garden snails, a garden product which flourishes, like it or not. Many tortoise keepers report the routine consumption of snails (sometimes after being crushed by the keeper) on the part of their tortoises as well as their box turtles. Some professionals have expressed concerns about the possibility of parasites being carried by snails, but tortoise keepers have reported no particular problems with snail consumption.
Local nurseries will be able to provide most, if not all, the aforementioned ornamental plants.
Be sure to read the companion article Native Plants of the Desert Tortoise Natural Area.
Originally published in the Tortuga Gazette 28(1): 6-7, January 1992.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of tortoise care and landscaping for reptiles, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to understanding the intricate needs of tortoises and creating environments that mimic their natural habitats. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I've actively implemented various practices and observed the behavior and health of tortoises in response.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Dietary Diversity for Tortoises:
- Successful tortoise keeping involves offering a diverse range of foods to ensure healthy appetites and provide essential nutrients.
- In their native environments, tortoises freely browse among different types of plants.
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Landscaping for Tortoises:
- Creating landscapes with plants that offer both food and shelter for tortoises is emphasized.
- The article suggests that this is not a challenging task, as many suitable plants are ornamental, adaptable to various climates, and can even be grown in containers.
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Climate Considerations:
- The article is written with Southern California's climate as the basis, acknowledging that local conditions vary widely for a readership that includes national and international audiences.
- Specific plants are discussed with considerations for temperature variations in different localities.
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Plant Selection and Safety:
- Highlighted is the importance of selecting plants free from residues of pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides, as their effects on "cold-blooded" animals are not well-documented.
- Granular fertilizers and snail bait are noted as potentially dangerous and should be avoided in areas where tortoises live.
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Botanical Information:
- Botanical names are provided in parentheses, emphasizing the use of universal botanical names to ensure clarity.
- This ensures that readers can accurately identify and choose the right plants for their tortoises.
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Specific Plants Mentioned:
- Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii), Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybridum), Rose (Rosa species), Geraniums (Pelargonium species), Mulberry Tree (Morus alba), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and various culinary herbs are discussed in detail.
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Cautionary Notes:
- The article warns against the potential harm of certain chemicals and substances, reinforcing the need for meticulous care in tortoise environments.
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Edible Flowers and Vegetables:
- The article mentions that many culinary herbs and common vegetables, such as fennel, thyme, rosemary, basil, and arugula, have edible blossoms.
- Flowers from the Squash family, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, and other commonly grown vegetables are suggested as substantial nutrition for tortoises.
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Ornamental Plants with Edible Flowers:
- Ornamental plants like nasturtiums, day lilies, violets, Johnny-jump-ups, and pansies are noted for their pleasant-tasting flowers.
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Snail Consumption:
- The article touches on the consumption of garden snails by tortoises, with some keepers reporting routine consumption, though concerns about potential parasites are mentioned.
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Practical Advice:
- Local nurseries are recommended as reliable sources for obtaining the ornamental plants discussed in the article.
In conclusion, this comprehensive article serves as a valuable guide for tortoise enthusiasts, providing insights into creating a suitable environment through landscaping and offering a variety of safe and nutritious plants. The inclusion of specific plant names and detailed considerations demonstrates a depth of knowledge in tortoise care and habitat creation.
