Perilla (Beefsteak Plant, Purple Mint, Shiso)

• Common Name: Perilla (Beefsteak Plant, Purple Mint, Shiso)
• Latin Name: Perilla spp.
• Family Name: Lamiaceae/Labiatae

Perilla, from the mint family, is commonly grown in gardens in purple, green, and multi-coloured leaved varieties, and on some species the leaves resemble those of stinging nettles.  This plant contains perillaldehyd which has been known to cause pulmonary oedema and respiratory failure in cattle and horses, so one to avoid in the enclosure. 

N.B.  Some varieties of Perilla strongly resemble Coleus (which is safe to feed), but unless you are sure that the plant is Coleus then you should err on the side of caution and not offer it to your tortoise.  See Coleus.

Although most Perilla have pink flowers, there is a white-flowered variety.