Gorse (Furze, Whin)

• Common Name: Gorse (Furze, Whin)
• Latin Name: Ulex spp.
• Family Name: Fabaceae/Leguminosae

Although not toxic, Gorse is quite high in protein, and as it's a legume it shouldn't be offered as part of a tortoise's diet.  The young leaves are so small as to be almost impractical to feed, but it will do no harm for the tortoise to nibble some of the flowers occasionally.  Care should be taken to protect your tortoise and yourself from the thorns that cover this plant.