Four O'Clock Flower (Marvel of Peru, Four O'clocks, Four O Clock, Mirabilis)
Do not Feed- Common Name: Four O'Clock Flower (Marvel of Peru, Four O'clocks, Four O Clock, Mirabilis)
- Latin Name: Mirabilis jalapa
- Family Name: Nyctaginaceae
The tuberous roots and seeds of the Four O'Clock Flower are said by some sources to contain a neurotoxin that works much in the same way as spider venom, and there is some indication that the toxin could be present in small amounts in the leaves as well. Other sources indicate that it is a low-level toxicity.
Research into toxic plants concentrates on the effect the plant has on mammals, and very little research is carried out into their toxic effects on reptiles.
Therefore, we advise that you err on the side of caution and not feed this plant to your tortoise, although if the odd leaf or flower is nibbled it should not be a problem.
Research into toxic plants concentrates on the effect the plant has on mammals, and very little research is carried out into their toxic effects on reptiles.
Therefore, we advise that you err on the side of caution and not feed this plant to your tortoise, although if the odd leaf or flower is nibbled it should not be a problem.
