Red Pitaya (Dragonfruit, Hylocereus)

• Common Name: Red Pitaya (Dragonfruit, Hylocereus)
• Latin Name: Hylocereus spp.
• Family Name: Cactaceae

Your tortoise will love the chance to have the occasional nibble of this plant, but do remember that it can have a laxative effect if too much is eaten.

The fruit of the cactus is also fine for tortoises to eat, but like the plant it should only be given occasionally, as over indulging could cause some diarrhoea. 

If the fruit has been purchased from a supermarket then it might be best to remove the rind in case preservative chemicals have been used.

The Red Pitaya cactus is often grown as a house plant in the UK.